Japan PM open to top-level talks with Iran if national interest warrants

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday she would consider holding talks with the Iranian leadership at an "appropriate" time if it serves Japan's national interest as tensions in the Middle East remain high, local media reported.



"I will judge the appropriate timing for holding talks based on the national interest from a comprehensive standpoint," Takaichi told a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, according to Kyodo News.



Stability in the Middle East is of critical importance to Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports.