President Donald Trump has pressed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and NATO allies to “step up” support for the US led war with Iran as surging oil prices hit the global economy .
At a White House meeting, Trump praised Takaichi but urged Japan to do more to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s actions have severely disrupted tanker traffic and driven energy prices higher .
He said Washington does not “need anything” from allies but argued it is appropriate for partners like Japan and NATO members to contribute more ships to clear mines and escort tankers through the strategic waterway .
Trump defended keeping allies in the dark about his Iran plans by invoking Japan’s 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, telling a Japanese reporter, “We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” .
Takaichi, whose expression visibly changed at the remark, said she briefed Trump on what Japan can and cannot do in the strait under its pacifist constitution but did not publicly commit to sending minesweeping vessels .
Ahead of the visit, Japan joined several European countries in a joint statement pledging to help stabilise energy markets and expressing readiness to join “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through Hormuz, though details remain unclear .
Analysts note that Japan, which relies heavily on crude oil from the Gulf, faces intense pressure from Washington but also strong domestic opposition to being drawn into a Middle East conflict .
Security expert Zack Cooper said Tokyo and Seoul are not in a position to simply say no to US requests and will likely end up agreeing to some form of support, even if limited by legal constraints at home .
Takaichi has pushed to loosen parts of Japan’s post war pacifist framework, but she told parliament earlier in the week that no formal US request on Iran had yet been received and that Japan was still assessing what actions are possible under its constitution .
Trump also used the meeting to criticise NATO partners for what he views as insufficient contributions, contrasting them with Japan, which he said is “really stepping up to the plate” .
The US and Japan were also expected to seal agreements on energy, critical minerals and defence cooperation, including joint development and production of missiles, as part of efforts to deepen their security and economic partnership .
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