Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba strongly condemned Israel’s military attacks on Iran on Friday, calling the strikes “totally intolerable” and warning against further escalation in the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday denounced Israel’s large-scale military assault on Iran, describing the attacks as “totally intolerable” and “extremely regrettable,” amid rising regional tensions and retaliatory violence.

“Any actions that could further escalate the situation must be refrained from,” Ishiba told reporters, according to Kyodo News. He also voiced concern over Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory, which followed the deadly attacks.

The Israeli operation killed at least 78 people and injured over 320, according to Iran’s envoy to the UN. Iran responded Friday night with missile strikes on multiple locations in Israel, killing three people and wounding more than 170. The violence continued into Saturday.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also issued a firm condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes. “The use of military means amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including US-Iran talks aimed at the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue, is completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable,” he said in a statement.

While also expressing concern over Iran’s retaliation, Iwaya called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and work toward de-escalation.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry raised its travel advisory for both Iran and Israel to Level 3, urging citizens to avoid all travel. Areas near the borders with Pakistan and Iraq were raised to Level 4 — the highest alert — advising evacuation and complete avoidance.

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