Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Kamal Kharrazi on Friday asked for Japan's support in resolving the issue of Iran's nuclear development within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran hopes to settle the matter via the international nuclear watchdog, instead of having it raised at the U.N. Security Council, Kharrazi was quoted as telling Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Koizumi voiced hope that Iran will strive to eradicate international concern over its nuclear arms development, according to Japanese officials who briefed the media.
"Japan and the United States are closely cooperating, and that is why friendly relations between Japan and Iran is important," Koizumi said, hinting that Tokyo will approach Washington for support.
Iran's move is part of an effort to urge member countries of the IAEA board not to raise the issue at the U.N. Security Council ahead of IAEA board meeting slated for Nov. 20-21. Iran has invited criticism from the international community, especially the United States, for failing to comply with international nonproliferation rules.
As documented in the report compiled by the IAEA.