Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meeting with........>

JAPAN: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

in Tokyo today in first visit by an Iranian president to Japan since 2000. 

- Japan has historically been an important go-between in US-Iran relations.

- While Abe had been hoping for Japan to play a more important role in improving

links between Iran and the West, this meeting is unlikely to lead to any

significant breakthrough.

- Iran stated its intention in December to continue to reduce its commitments to

the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action following the withdrawal of the US

in May 2018. 

- Iran had been hoping that Japan would resume the import of Iranian oil, but it

is unlikely that Abe would be willing to circumvent US sanctions. 

- Japan is in a difficult position. It is reliant on Middle Eastern imports for

90% of its oil, and therefore having access to Iranian supplies could be a

crucial safeguard against shortages. Conversely, Abe wants to maintain strong

relations with the US, especially in the face of the increasing political and

economic role played by China regionally and globally.