A Japanese peace-loving organization has voiced strong concern over erogenous remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over the Taiwan question and her administration's signals on nuclear weapons and military expansion, warning that the administration's stance could undermine regional stability and the own interests of Japan, even broader Asia.
Chisaka Jun, secretary general of the Japan Peace Committee, said Takaichi's erroneous statements risk escalating tensions in Asia.
"Such explicit remarks, premised on the assumption of war, represents an unprecedented stance by any previous Liberal Democratic Party government in Japan. I find these statements deeply regrettable, as they will damage Japan-China relations," Jun said.
"Regardless of the reason, for Japan, a country that has experienced atomic bombings, it is absolutely unacceptable to use or possess nuclear weapons. Moreover, Takaichi's policies include acquiring large quantities of offensive weapons that were previously prohibited under Japan's Constitution, those designed for direct attacks on other countries. This would significantly increase the risk of war, and [Japan] should cease pursuing this path," he said.
He stressed that Japan must face up to its history of aggression to avoid repeating past mistakes.
"[Japan] once waged wars of aggression against countries, including China. This must never be forgiven, and it must never happen again. [Japan] should acknowledge the historical wrongdoings of its aggressive wars and colonial rule, offer apologies, and provide compensation for the victims. This is something that must be done, no matter what," said Jun.
Japan Peace Committee condemns PM Takaichi's nuclear rhetoric
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of negotiations with the United States within the framework of the nuclear issue, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported Monday, citing an unnamed government source.
Fars, quoting Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei's remarks earlier in the day as saying, added that talks between Iran and the United States will probably be held in Türkiye in the next few days.
Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, quoting an unidentified informed source, also confirmed that senior officials from the two sides will probably begin negotiations in the coming days.
The negotiations will probably be held between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, Tasnim reported, adding that the venue and exact date of the negotiations have not been finalized yet.
The developments come as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high amid increased U.S. military activity in the Middle East. Trump's administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and multiple warships to the Middle East in late January.
On Sunday, Trump said if Tehran fails to strike a nuclear deal with Washington, "we will find out" whether Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was right to warn that a U.S. attack could ignite a regional war.
In an interview with a U.S. media outlet on Sunday, Araghchi said that a "just, fair, and equitable" nuclear agreement with the United States remains achievable in the short term, provided Washington abandons its policy of coercion.
Earlier on Monday, Baghaei told a weekly press conference in Tehran that Iran is reviewing the details and general outlines of the potential initiation of negotiations with the United States.
Iranian president orders start of talks with U.S. on nuke profile: local media
