Newsletter No. 161
January 15, 2006

 

THE IRAN NUCLEAR CRISIS -- JAPAN AS MEDIATOR?

The confrontation over Iran’s nuclear program continues to escalate and is making headlines around the world. American and European governments have announced their support for sending the issue to the UN Security Council. President Ahmadinejad responded by accusing the West of having a “dark ages mentality” and went on to say: “You need us more than we need you. All of you today need the Iranian nation. Why are you putting on airs? You don't have that might.”

Foreign Minister Taro Aso stated Tokyo’s position as follows: “Unless Iran changes its current stance, there would be no other choice than to refer this to the Security Council… Further diplomatic efforts are needed… Referring to the Security Council does not mean immediate sanctions.”

Meanwhile, in a more positive development, MOFA has invited Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to come to Tokyo in late February for talks over the nuclear issue. A high-level Japanese diplomat told the press that, “Precisely because the situation is tense, we should not cut off dialogue.” Mottaki was an ambassador to Japan from 1995 to 1999, so he probably has good personal contacts within the Japanese government.

Japan has long been well-placed to facilitate agreements on these kinds of matters because it maintains good relations with both Iran and the United States. It would not be the first time that Tokyo served as a back channel for communication between Tehran and Washington.

Whether or not Tokyo’s dialogue can help settle this particular crisis, however, remains to be seen. Neither Tehran nor Washington are currently led by entirely rational regimes at the moment, and neither national leader is noted for his strong commitment to compromise and tolerance for other political perspectives. Both men are clearly convinced that the other is “evil” -- not much that Tokyo can do about that.