A White House meeting between Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took an unexpected turn when the president shifted into sharp criticism of America’s NATO partners over the Iran war, while also offering praise for his own approach.
The sit-down produced several uncomfortable exchanges in front of reporters, including a jarring reference to World War Two despite the history between the US and Japan during that period.
When asked about the possibility of US forces being sent onto Iranian territory — a subject Trump has recently been evasive about — he insisted:
“I’m not putting troops anywhere – and if I was, I wouldn’t tell you.”
He then addressed Takaichi directly and added:
“Who knows better about surprise than Japan, OK? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor, OK? Right?”
Takaichi appeared to offer only a brief, restrained reaction to the remark before the conversation moved on, with Trump turning his focus to European allies who have recently rejected his push for them to join the conflict.
Trump claimed Japan was “stepping up to the plate,” suggesting it intended to play some role linked to the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not specify what assistance would look like — particularly given Japan’s reliance on oil flows from the region.
He contrasted Tokyo’s apparent willingness to cooperate with what he described as resistance from NATO, noting that the alliance has opted not to take part in the offensive action associated with Israel and the White House.
More to follow.