AFP, TOKYOIranian President Hassan Rouhani was yesterday to make the first visit to Japan by an Iranian head of state in two decades, as Tokyo seeks to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid spiraling nuclear tensions. The trip comes after violent protests last month over oil price hikes in Iran, as Washington-imposed sanctions over its nuclear program hit the Iranian economy. Abe in June traveled to Tehran to try to ease tension between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf. Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude, but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions. Abe and Rouhani were expected to inspect a guard of honor before summit talks and a dinner.

Source: Taipei Times December 20, 2019 16:05 UTC