Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke critically on Tuesday about recent attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, describing them as an "extremely contemptible crime," while refraining from joining other nations in naming Iran as responsible for the strikes that have roiled the Middle East.
In his address at the U.N. General Assembly, Abe sought a delicate balance — showing his country's desire to maintain its long-standing amicable ties with Iran in the face of U.S. pressure, while also denouncing the Sept. 14 military action against Saudi targets.
"The attack on Saudi Arabia's crude oil facilities was an extremely contemptible crime that holds the international economic order hostage," Abe said.