WarSclerotic

Tokyo, Japan (AHN) – Ahead of a visit by the United States’ special advisor on arms control, Japan has approved U.N. sanctions on Iran and announced it will impose additional measures later this month. The punitive measures include freezing of assets of 40 Iranian entities and of an individual believed to be involved in development of missile and nuclear weaponry.

Government spokesman Yoshito Sengoku confirmed that the cabinet of Prime Minister Naoto Kan was considering following the path of the European Union, the U.S., Canada and Australia in announcing additional sanctions.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sengoku said that the government would push ahead with studying measures Japan should take so that they could have a conclusion as early as August end. “We believe we need to address the issue sternly to reach a diplomatic, peaceful solution,” he added.

The EU targeted Iran’s oil and gas industries when it imposed additional sanctions on Iran last week. It also banned sale of services and technology to Iran’s energy sector and any kind of investment in its energy sector.

Japan’s announcement came nearly two months after the U.N. Security Council slapped a fourth round of sanctions on Iran for continuing its ambitious nuclear work. Western nations fear that Iran is developing atomic weapons under the cover of civilian use – a charge Iran denies vehemently.

In a separate development, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi warned that the armed forces were preparing “enemy-crushing, defensive plans” in case of any attack, according to state-owned PressTV.

His warning came two days after Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hinted at the possibility of a military strike on Iran if Tehran continues to acquire nuclear weapons.

“Such statements not only associate with fascism literature and contradict their Americans’ peace-seeking claims, but also indicate their failure against the Iranian nation’s strong will,” Vahidi said.