June 20, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko, at a meeting she had with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in the Diet building, remonstrated PM Ishiba’s signing on the G7 Leaders’ Joint Statement which unilaterally condemns Iran.

The Joint Statement defends Israel, the country that preemptively attacked Iran, by claiming that “Israel has a right to defend itself.”

PM Ishiba endorsed this G7 statement. Tamura, however, pointed out that his stance is completely different from the one expressed in a statement by Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on June 13, the day Israel launched military strikes on Iran.

The Foreign Minister’s statement regarding the Israeli surprise attack clarifies the position of the Japanese government. It says, “The use of military means amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including U.S.-Iran talks aimed at the peaceful resolution of the Iran’s nuclear issue, is completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable. The Government of Japan strongly condemns these actions.”

PM Ishiba said that the Japanese government’s position is as in that statement, but that that is one thing but this is another.

Tamura criticized PM Ishiba’s stance, saying, “If that is the case, it would mean that the Japanese government is taking a dual position.”

Referring to media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering military intervention in Iran, Tamura said, “If this were to happen, it would violate international law and have serious negative consequences for the Middle East and the world.” She demanded that Japan persuade the U.S. to desist from armed intervention.

However, PM Ishiba declined to make a clear response.

Tamura warned, “Japan would lose its credibility in the international community if it follows President Trump’s pro-Israel stance.”