Internet reports that Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya had a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Aragzi on the 16th and said regarding the war between Iran and Israel that "any action that will lead to further escalation of the situation should be suppressed and all relevant parties should be requested to exercise maximum restraint." The two sides agreed to continue close dialogue for regional peace and stability. Aragzi argued that Israel launched a pre-emptive attack to prevent Iran from reaching an agreement in nuclear negotiations with the United States. Iwaya asked Iran to provide assistance in protecting local Japanese overseas Chinese, and Aragzi responded that "full cooperation will be provided." A relevant person from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iwaya is still coordinating telephone calls with Israel. (Kyodo News Agency)