Japan PM Meets Trump to Reinforce Alliance Amid Iran War

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with United States President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday to reinforce the longstanding alliance between the two nations, amid escalating tensions from the US-Israeli war with Iran that began on February 28 and has disrupted global energy supplies.

The summit, held at the White House, focused on bolstering economic and security ties while addressing the fallout from the conflict, which has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for most of Japan's oil imports from the Middle East. Trump urged Takaichi to increase Japan's contributions to securing the strait, including providing ships to clear mines and escort tankers, despite stating that the US did not require assistance. "I expect Japan to step up because we have that kind of relationship and we step up for Japan," Trump said during the Oval Office discussions.

Takaichi responded by emphasizing Japan's willingness to support stability efforts but highlighted legal limitations under the country's pacifist constitution. She explained to Trump the constraints on deploying Self-Defense Forces during active hostilities, though Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi...