A senior official in Iran's government has expressed hope that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's planned visit to the country will lead to the easing of regional tensions.
Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi told NHK on Monday that as a US ally, Japan will probably be able to make Americans understand the current situation.
Iran had been reluctant to allow a third country to play an intermediary role in its negotiations with the United States, which has unilaterally increased pressure on Tehran.
Araqchi's remarks may be a sign that he is counting on Japan as a country with close ties with the US.
Final arrangements for Abe's visit to Iran are underway.
Araqchi disclosed that Abe is scheduled to meet Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during his stay that begins on Wednesday of next week.
NHK
