Takeshi Iwaya spoke to reporters on Tuesday following Iran’s announcement that it has quadrupled its capacity to produce low-enriched uranium.

He declined to comment on remarks by US President Donald Trump.

Iwaya also said that Japan has friendly ties with Iran and that Japan will contribute as much as possible to peace and stability in the Middle East.

The defense minister was asked if, depending on what happens, there is any possibility of the government using Self-Defense Forces.

Iwaya said that he is not considering such an option at all.