Statement by Yasuhide Nakayama: “Is Iran the Next North Korea? What We Must Do Now to Prevent a Third World War”

Yasuhide Nakayama:
“Is Iran the Next North Korea?
What We Must Do Now to Prevent a Third World War”

Israel’s strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities must not be interpreted as an act of aggression, but rather as a necessary and difficult decision to prevent a greater catastrophe. Should Iran succeed in its nuclear weapons program, it would plunge the entire Middle East—and potentially the world—into dangerous instability.This is not merely a regional issue. Japan, too, must not see it as someone else’s problem. As a country surrounded by authoritarian neighbors—Russia, China, and North Korea—Japan understands firsthand the consequences of failing to prevent nuclear proliferation. North Korea today is a de facto nuclear power, a situation that highlights the strategic failure in Northeast Asia. We cannot afford to let the same happen in the Middle East.

Iran’s nuclearization would severely impact the global energy supply chain and accelerate the risk of a wider war. If we are to avoid a third world war, such risks must be addressed collectively and decisively by the international community.

Some view Israel’s operation as a preemptive strike. However, this perspective often overlooks the fact that on October 7, Hamas carried out a brutal surprise attack against Israel—one that was supported by Iran. That reality cannot be dismissed.

In the same vein, the war in Ukraine is not simply a conflict between two nations. North Korea is reportedly sending personnel to support Russia. Chinese components are found in Russian weapons. Iran supplies drones and intelligence to the Russian military. These countries—Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—are coordinating, and their collaboration poses a growing threat to democracies around the world.

Japan is already witnessing this danger firsthand. Recently, a Chinese J-15 fighter came within 45 meters of a Japanese reconnaissance plane—yet another example of hostile and calculated behavior.

It is time for democracies to stand united. As we mark the 80th year since the end of World War II, we must remember that our responsibility is not only to learn from the past, but to prevent history from repeating itself.

Let us work together—with wisdom, determination, and solidarity—for the sake of our children and the generations to come.