Japan government yet to decide on Iran oil cuts - PM

Japan's prime minister said Friday the government has yet to decide on whether it will reduce oil imports from Iran in line with U.S. sanctions, saying businesses implications need to be considered, Trend cites Associated Press as saying.

Yoshihiko Noda's comments retreated from the strong support voiced a day earlier by his finance minister, Jun Azumi, who said Japan would start reducing oil imports as soon as possible.

Noda described Azumi's remarks as a "personal view," and said his government needs to first consult with businesses about the sanctions, reflecting the importance of gaining consensus in Japanese society, as well as technical aspects of what such a decision would involve.

Noda didn't rule out Japan's participation in the sanctions effort, and said he shared strong concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

"Japan's basic stance is to resolve such matters diplomatically and peacefully," he said during a news conference after he announced a new Cabinet lineup. "We need to consult with the business community, and we need to work out details with U.S. officials. We have to think about the implications for Japanese banks, and what measures are needed to resolve possible negative impact."