Rubio defended U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court during a call with his Japanese counterpart, Motegi, citing the “necessity” of the measures. The conversation brought Washington’s position on the court into its diplomatic exchanges with Japan.

The court’s legislative body took the opposing position, demanding “the immediate revocation” of the sanctions. It also urged “the international community to stand firm” in defending the institution, appealing for support beyond the countries involved in the call.

The statements set out contrasting positions on whether the measures should remain in place: Rubio presented the sanctions as necessary, while the legislative body called for their removal. Its appeal paired a demand directed at U.S. policy with a broader request for international backing for the court.

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The supplied account does not describe Motegi’s response or explain the grounds Rubio gave for considering the sanctions necessary. It also provides no details of their scope, their practical effects or any subsequent diplomatic steps.

Editor’s note: The supplied material contains only a headline and a brief summary relevant to this story. This limits the detail that can be verified about the call and the sanctions.