TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu on Sunday called on Iran to avoid using force against peaceful protests.

Motegi noted that many people have been killed or injured in the ongoing protests and said Japan was “deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation.” The country is monitoring developments closely and is opposed to the use of force.

“The government of Japan strongly calls for the immediate cessation of violence and strongly hopes for an early settlement of the situation,” Motegi said in a statement, adding the administration was taking necessary measures to protect Japanese nationals in Iran.