US President Donald Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the White House on Thursday (local time). In a video posted on X, Trump can be seen greeting the Japanese prime minister with a hug as the two leaders engage in conversation.
Takaichi, who is in the US for a summit with Trump, is likely to face a tough question if Trump decides to ask for her help in the war against Iran, which could create an awkward situation, Reuters reported.
This is the second meeting between the two leaders since Takaichi took office last year. The two leaders previously met in Japan in October as part of Trump’s visit to Asia.
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Should Iran War Discussion Be Part of Trump-Takaichi Meeting?
The bilateral meeting between the two leaders came nearly three weeks after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Last week, Trump called on his allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closed the strait days after the war began, sending shockwaves around the world and shaking global energy markets.
However, several US allies have made it clear that they view the conflict as an “American war” and are reluctant to get involved. This position was echoed by a number of European countries after members of the European Union held a closed-door meeting. Within hours of some allies refusing to send warships to help reopen the strait, Trump responded sharply, saying the US military did not need their support.
Read also | EU states reject Trump’s call to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier on Monday, Japan’s prime minister told parliament that Tokyo had not received any formal request from Washington regarding Iran. She added that the government is assessing what steps, if any, can be taken within the limits of Japan’s constitution.
According to a Reuters report, Trump is still pushing for more naval deployments in the region to clear mines and escort tankers through the strait.
Japan joins European countries in stabilizing energy markets
Ahead of Takaichi’s meeting with Trump, Japan joined several European nations in issuing a joint statement saying they would take steps to stabilize energy markets. The statement also noted their willingness to support “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strait.
Trump-Takaichi meeting agenda
The Japanese prime minister’s long-planned visit to the White House aims to cement long-standing security and economic ties between Washington and one of its closest allies in East Asia.
Takaichi advocated Japan’s departure from its Washington-imposed postwar pacifist constitution. As the Iran conflict has proven unpopular at home, it has not yet offered assistance in the effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Read also | What the US Marines can do to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Before leaving for the US, Takaichi wrote on X that she intended to discuss the “increasingly tense situation surrounding Iran”. She added that the meeting will reaffirm the strong bond between Japan and the United States, while strengthening cooperation in key areas such as security and the economy.
Japan wants to ensure oil supply remains secure: finance minister
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected Japan, which imports about 95% of its oil from the Persian Gulf, to prioritize the security of those supplies.
In an interview with the Fox Business Network, Bessent noted that Japan’s navy has some of the world’s most advanced mine clearance and clearance capabilities and also maintains significant oil reserves. He added that he looked forward to productive discussions with the prime minister, pointing out that Trump shares a strong working relationship with her.
