Jun 28 (NHK) - The Japanese government has found itself in a tight spot following the US request that the international community completely halt imports of crude oil from Iran.
The government is seeking ways to continue importing some oil from Iran, but whether it can win the understanding of the United States remains unknown.
The administration led by US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US wants the imports to end by November 4th.
More than 5 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from Iran.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Wednesday the government will continue to discuss the matter with the United States and other nations concerned to avoid an adverse impact on Japanese companies.
The government has already conveyed to the US behind-the-scenes that it hopes to continue importing crude oil from Iran. The Trump administration, however, has already warned it will not tolerate exceptions.
The US has already slapped high tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from Japan, and is considering higher duties on foreign cars.
But Japan's government needs to continue cooperating with the United States to resolve the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, and see that the North becomes nuclear-free.
