During a meeting in Washington, Donald Trump discussed Iran and Israel with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, injecting a pointed reference to Pearl Harbor.
Trump and Takaichi Discuss Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
On Thursday, March 19th, Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House. During the publicly accessible portion of the meeting, Trump announced his intention to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, which is being blocked by Iran.
Trump stated that Japan was “stepping up,” unlike NATO, and that he relied on Tokyo’s commitments, though he did not elaborate. He also noted that NATO was “becoming nicer” after observing his approach, but deemed it too late.
Joint Statement on Strait of Hormuz Security
Earlier that day, Japan, along with five NATO nations – the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy – issued a joint statement declaring their “willingness to contribute to the efforts necessary to ensure the safety of navigation in the strait,” without specifying how.
US Position on Israeli Strike and Coordination with Netanyahu
Trump also discussed with Takaichi the Israeli attack on the South Pars gas field. He informed her that he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from repeating such actions. Trump asserted a coordinated relationship, stating he would discourage further actions he disapproved of.
Takaichi stated she arrived in Washington with “concrete proposals aimed at calming the global energy market,” but did not detail those plans. She also emphasized that Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi had firmly urged his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Aragchi, to cease attacks on energy infrastructure.
Pearl Harbor Reference and Surprise Tactics
When a reporter questioned Trump about why he hadn’t informed allies, including Japan, of his plans before a potential war with Iran, Trump responded, “You shouldn’t telegraph your moves too much.”
He continued, referencing the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, asking, “Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” He emphasized the value of surprise in military operations.
No Plans for Additional Troops
Regarding the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East, Trump stated he had no such plans. “No, I’m not sending troops. If I were sending troops, I wouldn’t tell you, but I’m not sending troops,” he said.
Previously, Trump had not ruled out the use of ground troops.
Analysis: Trump Underestimates Iran’s Capabilities
According to Ludwika Włodek writing in Wyborcza.pl, “It seemed that preoccupied with pacifying protests, keeping tabs on women’s headscarves, real estate in Dubai and alcohol smuggling, they long ago lost their determination and fighting ability. Trump underestimated the Revolutionary Guards.”
Edited by
Kamila Cieślik