TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday condemned the suspected attack on a Japanese-operated tanker near the Strait of Hormuz this week as a threat to safe maritime navigation.
Abe, speaking to reporters, said: "Japan adamantly condemns the act that threatened a Japanese ship, no matter who attacked." Abe urged "all related countries" to avoid an accidental confrontation and refrain from any action that may escalate tensions. He pledged to help de-escalate tensions in the region.