Tokyo: Japan's Defense Ministry is making strides towards deploying Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aircraft to evacuate Japanese nationals from the Middle East due to escalating tensions following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Defense Ministry is actively assessing local conditions and contemplating specific routes for the mission. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced via social media that the ministry is "taking concrete steps" and will soon commence coordination efforts for the evacuation.

The Japanese government has successfully evacuated five Japanese nationals from Israel to Jordan and two from Iran to Azerbaijan earlier this week, utilizing land routes for these operations. A senior SDF official mentioned that they are currently identifying the evacuation needs of Japanese nationals in the region.

The Foreign Ministry has reported that approximately 1,000 Japanese nationals are currently residing in Israel, with an additional 200 in Iran. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated in a press conference that no final decision has been made regarding the deployment of SDF aircraft. He assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens, including preparations for potential evacuations.