Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed opposition to a U.S coalition scheme to patrol the Strait of Hormuz when he met Wednesday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a diplomatic source said.
The comment can be interpreted as a strong message toward Japan not to participate in the coalition.
While some countries such as Australia and the U.K. have announced they will take part in the coalition, Japan has remained ambiguous on the matter, caught between its alliance with the United States and traditionally friendly ties with Iran.