“We did not inform anyone about it as a result of we needed shock. Who is aware of higher about shock than Japan? Why did not you inform me about Pearl Harbor, OK?” Mr. Trump joked.
As Mr. Trump stated that, Ms. Takaichi’s slight smile appeared to drop, and she or he raised her eyebrows.
Earlier Thursday (March 19, 2026), the leaders of 5 European international locations and Japan issued a joint assertion demanding that Iran cease assaults on the Strait of Hormuz that block business delivery, and stated they’re able to contribute to “acceptable efforts” to make sure ships can move safely by the strait, although it’s not clear what that entails.
Mr. Trump advised reporters that he and Ms. Takaichi can be discussing of their assembly Japan’s stage of assist for the U.S. within the Iran warfare, saying, “They’re actually stepping as much as the plate.” He didn’t supply particulars.
He later stated that a lot of the oil Japan depends on passes by the Strait of Hormuz and stated, “in order that’s an enormous purpose to step up. He additionally talked about US spending in Japan and the variety of troops it has stationed there.
“I count on Japan to step up, you understand, as a result of we’ve got that form of relationship,” Mr. Trump stated.
A nuclear reactor deal announcement is predicted
Ms. Taikaichi’s assembly on the White Home, adopted by a dinner Thursday (March 19, 2026) night time, was supposed to offer Japan’s new Prime Minister a primary alternative to have Trump’s ear earlier than he launched into a visit to China.
However now, the warfare in Iran and Mr. Trump’s name for Japan and different nations to assist defend the important Strait of Hormuz means the China journey has been delayed. Trump had repeatedly complained on digicam and on-line this week that US allies, together with Japan, didn’t heed his request to assist safeguard the vital waterway for oil and gasoline transport. He later declared the assistance wasn’t wanted, however made different feedback indicating he nonetheless anticipated assist.
The Prime Minister acknowledged earlier than she left Japan that she anticipated her assembly with Trump can be “very tough.” Past going through questions on Iran, Ms. Takaichi and Mr. Trump on Thursday (March 19, 2026) are anticipated to announce a $40 billion nuclear reactor deal, in response to a White Home official, who was not approved to talk publicly and spoke on the situation of anonymity to share particulars earlier than the announcement.
Below the deal, U.S.-based GE Vernova Inc. and Japan-based Hitachi Ltd. will construct superior small modular reactors in Tennessee and Alabama, the official stated. The deal goals to assist stabilise electrical energy costs and broaden energy technology within the U.S.
The assembly carries excessive stakes
Kurt Campbell, the previous US deputy secretary of state within the Biden administration and now chair of The Asia Group, stated that to press for Japan’s pursuits, Takaichi wanted to discover a method to counsel that Japan is a part of the U.S. plan within the West Asia.
“She’s going to need to come out of that as a companion on this case and notice that if she will be able to try this, that she will be able to translate that probably into the president listening extra to Japanese considerations about Taiwan or different points,” Mr. Campbell stated.
The constraints on Japan’s involvement in Iran embody a provision in its post-World Battle II structure that bans using power besides to defend its territory. The nation’s navy is known as the Self-Protection Pressure.
Christopher Johnstone, a companion and chair of the protection and nationwide safety observe at The Asia Group, stated Japan might assist with minesweeping and has had “a small naval presence” within the area as a part of an anti-piracy mission for no less than a decade. However to affix the U.S. mission would require Ms. Takaichi to clear “an exceptionally excessive bar politically to invoke collective self-defense” that has by no means been performed earlier than.