Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi has expressed concern about the Israeli attack on Iran that took place on Saturday.

In a statement, Iwaya said, "Japan is deeply concerned about the exchanges of attacks, including this attack, and strongly condemns any action that escalates the situation."

He added, "Japan strongly urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to calm the situation, as peace and stability in the Middle East region are extremely important to Japan."

He also said that the Japanese government is determined to continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in order to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, while taking "all possible measures" to protect Japanese nationals abroad.