Zelenskyy Tells Ambassadors Japan Ties Have Fallen Short of Expectations
Zelenskyy Voices Disappointment With Japan Ties
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told a gathering of ambassadors in Kyiv that relations with Japan have fallen short of Kyiv’s high expectations despite political changes in Tokyo and Japan’s easing of lethal weapons export restrictions. [1] Zelenskyy stated that while grateful for Japan’s support, the results have not been as significant as anticipated. [1] He called for addressing the shortfall by proposing concrete ways to strengthen ties. [1] Zelenskyy said, “We would like stronger relations with Japan. That is true. Significant political changes took place there … and there were high expectations. However, the results so far have not been as significant — with all due respect, and we are grateful for Japan’s support — but they have not been as significant as they could have been.” [1] He added, “We need to address this and propose exactly how and by what means it can be done.” [1] The comments came months after Tokyo eased some of its restrictions on the export of lethal weapons. [1]
Pakistan Hosts Iranian Officials Amid US Tensions
Pakistan invited Iran’s parliament speaker and foreign minister for urgent talks on regional developments, with Tehran naming Pakistan its primary mediator with the US. [2] National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq invited Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator with Washington and speaker of parliament. [2] Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar invited his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. [2] The invitations were delivered in Tehran late Monday night after Dar spoke with Araghchi. [2] A diplomatic source said both men had been asked to come as soon as possible for discussions on regional and international developments. [2] Iran’s foreign ministry insisted that Pakistan is the main mediator with the US. [2] Spokesman Esmail Baqaei said, “The mediator in the discussions related to Iran and the US is Pakistan, and Qatar also helps in cases where necessary.” [2] Pakistan has remained engaged through back channels with Iran and, together with Qatar, proposed a ceasefire plan during a nearly 13-day period of escalation. [2]
Trump Reiterates Threat to Iran Over Hormuz and Nuclear Issues
US President Donald Trump said Iran faces a last chance before decapitation, insisted talks are ongoing despite Iranian denials, and warned of maintaining pressure until a deal or total surrender. [2] Trump said allies including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar had urged him to hold off on planned strikes because a deal appeared imminent. [2] He warned Iran faced “decapitation” and said he would keep up military pressure until there was a “deal, or total surrender.” [2] Trump added, “I think we’re going to maybe get something, but I want to give them every last chance before decapitation.” [2] He said the US Navy maintains complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished.” [2] Trump described ongoing discussions as a “last chance for them to sign a good document.” [4] The talks focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which could come literally by tomorrow, and the denuclearization of Iran, which he said could take a little while. [4] Trump reiterated that “the denuclearization of Iran has to happen.” [4] He noted that Washington and Tehran have been at war since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran. [4]
What to watch next: Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on managing the Strait of Hormuz, while the US maintains its counter-blockade of Iranian ports and continues to press for denuclearization.
