LOC09:42
06:42 GMT
TOKYO, July 19 (KUNA) -- Japan on Friday expressed serious concern over the heightened tensions in the Middle East following US' shooting down of an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz.
"We are seriously concerned about an escalation of tensions in the Middle East," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told a press conference.
"In coordination with the countries concerned, we will continue our diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the Middle East region," Nishimura added.
US President Donald Trump said Thursday a US Navy ship has destroyed an unmanned Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after it threatened the vessel. Tensions between the US and Iran have heightened since May 2018, when Trump pulled out of a 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six powers and reimposed sanctions on the country. (end)
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