TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japanese government on Saturday expressed concern over Israel’s attack on military facilities in Iran and called on all parties involved to exercise “maximum restraint” amid fears of a total regional war.

Calling Israeli strikes against military targets in Iran acts of retaliation, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said: “Japan is deeply concerned about exchanges of attacks, including this attack, and strongly condemns any action that might to make the situation worse.

“Japan strongly urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and calm the situation,” he said in a statement released on Saturday, citing that “peace and stability in the Middle -East are extremely important” for this Asian country.

Following the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas about a year ago, which sparked the conflict in the Gaza Strip, clashes have intensified between Israel and its regional enemy, Iran, and the allied groups across the Middle East.

The Israeli army said Saturday it had carried out “targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran” in response to “months of continuous attacks.”

On October 1, Iran launched at least 180 ballistic missiles toward Israel in retaliation for the assassination of the leaders of its allies Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to respond to this attack.

Following the latest attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it “considers itself entitled and obliged to defend itself against foreign acts of aggression.” The airstrikes reportedly killed four of its soldiers and hit radar systems.