Tension has escalated a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program in return for lifting sanctions. He will meet Rouhani on Wednesday and Khamenei the next day, before leaving Tehran. Abe had spoken to US President Donald Trump by telephone to discuss Iran, Suga told a news conference. Abe is in a unique position, thanks to his close ties to Trump, cultivated since the US leader took office, and Tokyo’s friendly relations with Iran, diplomatic experts said. “Abe is trying to play the role of messenger and ease the tension,” said Toshihiro Nakayama, a Japan Fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington.

Source: bd News24 June 11, 2019 06:11 UTC