TOKYO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The US dollar briefly climbed to the upper 159 yen range on Friday afternoon, reaching its highest level since July 2024, as concern mounted that the Middle East crisis could drag on.

Photo: Xinhua

Earlier in the day, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the government is ready to implement all possible steps on foreign exchange at any time and under any conditions.

"We are in closer contact with US authorities," the minister said at a press conference, noting the government is keeping in mind the impact of rising crude oil prices on people's livelihoods.

The US currency has continued to extend gains, spurred by concern about a prolonged conflict following the joint US-Israeli military attack on Iran at the end of February.