Japan PM placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sailed smoothly past a potential clash with Donald Trump on Iran Thursday -- although the U.S. president whipped up a bit of a storm about Pearl Harbor.

Days after lashing out at U.S. allies, including Japan, for failing to heed his calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump praised Tokyo's efforts related to the Middle East war in vague terms.

"I believe that, based on statements (which) were given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate," Trump told reporters as he hosted Takaichi in the Oval Office.

After a long pause, Trump then added "unlike NATO," repeating his criticisms of the U.S.-led military alliance with mainly European countries.

Trump gave few details about what help Japan might provide in securing the crucial waterway, through which one-fifth of the world's oil normally passes.

But his tone towards Takaichi was far more friendly than the tongue-lashings he has given to allies, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on the issue in recent days.

"I'm very proud of you. We've become friends," Trump said of Japan's first female premier, whom he backed ahead of a landslide election victory in February.

The 64-year-old conservative was meanwhile seen giving Trump, 79, a big hug as she arrived earlier at the White House, according to footage released by one of Trump's aides.

Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the U.S.-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.

But just over an hour before the Trump meeting, Japan and five other allies, including Britain and France, said they were ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz."

Trump said it would be "appropriate" for Japan and other allies to contribute -- and noted that Japan gets around 90 percent of its oil through the strait.

AFP