"Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Sunday that Tokyo is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but dodged a question on whether the government supports Washington’s action. "First of all, we are currently diligently gathering information, but to maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, Iran's development of nuclear weapons cannot be tolerated under any circumstances," he said. Shinjiro also said that he doesn't plan to speak with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following the attacks on Iran. "As allies, I think it's only natural that we would engage in dialogue whenever the opportunity arises. While we don't have any specific plans at this time, we are always open to communicating as needed," he commented. He also added that following the strikes, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gathered the Cabinet meeting to ensure that Tokyo takes necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens remaining in the area. "We will continue to make every effort to be fully prepared to respond to any developments that may arise," he added. The United States and Israel launched a joint strike on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to 'destroy Iran's missiles.'  In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said that 'widespread missile and drone attacks' against Israel were underway. US bases were also reportedly targeted in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait. The developments follow three recent rounds of talks between Iranian and American officials, one held in Muscat and two in Geneva. Russia, China, France, Bahrain and Colombia have called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, where members were divided between urging an immediate halt to hostilities and pressing Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. Iranian state media reported the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the attacks, prompting Tehran to declare 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday, with all government offices and schools closed as the country prepares for funeral rites."