Takaichi Meets Trump as Iran Crisis Raises Pressure on Allies 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met United States President Donald Trump on Thursday in Washington, as a widening war over Iran rattled oil markets and strained global supply chains.

In retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that began in late February, Iranian forces have begun selectively interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil consumption transits.

Against that backdrop, much of the roughly 30-minute Oval Office press briefing focused on the deteriorating security environment in the Middle East and its global economic fallout.

The US President welcomed Takaichi, calling her a "very popular, powerful woman " and praising her for a "tremendous election in a record-setting fashion" in Japan's recent lower house election, where the ruling party secured a landslide victory.

Takaichi, on her first visit to Washington since taking office in October, said her trip was "timely" given the recent developments in the Middle East.

Hormuz Pressure Point

Opening her remarks, Takaichi described the security situation in the Middle East and beyond as "severe," noting that the "global economy is about to experience a huge hit" due to the unfolding events. 

She added, however, that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons "must never be allowed" and said Japan has been urging restraint while coordinating with partners.

The Japanese leader also mentioned that Japan "condemns Iran's actions such as attacking the neighboring region and also the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz."

Japan, a resource-scarce nation, depends heavily on energy imports from the Persian Gulf, which account for roughly 90% of its oil and about 11% of its liquefied natural gas. 

Iran, facing limitations in conventional military capabilities, has increasingly turned to asymmetric tactics aimed at raising costs for US and Israeli forces, as well as neighboring Gulf states.

Part of that strategy has involved restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while reportedly allowing shipments tied to transactions in Chinese yuan rather than US dollars.

Allies Under Pressure

Trump, who has recently called on allies to help secure freedom of navigation in the strait, signaled frustration with what he sees as insufficient burden-sharing, including against Japan.

Yet during the talks, he said, "Based on statements that were given to us yesterday and the day before, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate, unlike NATO." 

He added that countries benefiting from the passage should do more, saying "Japan, China, and parts of Europe rely heavily on oil transiting the strait," while the United States is "defending it for everyone else."

While Trump said the United States does not necessarily need additional support, he noted that it is in allies' interest to step up, indicating he does not want them coming in "after the war is won."

In Tokyo, the debate over what kind of role Japan should take remains unsettled. Speaking in parliament on Monday, Takaichi said Japan has "not made any decisions whatsoever" regarding a potential escort mission, but noted that the government is "reviewing what can be done within the bounds of our legal framework."

Any deployment would likely fall under one of the frameworks established by Japan's 2015 security legislation. A "survival-threatening situation" would permit limited collective self-defense, including the use of force, while an "important influence situation" would allow rear-area logistical support to US and partner forces.

During Diet deliberations in 2015, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited a hypothetical scenario involving "a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused by mines" as an example that could constitute a survival-threatening situation, depending on the severity of the impact on Japan.

Geopolitics Beyond Iran

Beyond the Middle East, the leaders also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including relations with China and the security situation in Northeast Asia. 

Takaichi said Japan remains open to dialogue with Beijing and expressed hope that US-China relations "will be something conducive to regional security and also ensuring the global supply chain in the world."

Trump, who had been expected to visit Beijing later this month, indicated that the trip was being postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said the US-China meeting has been reset, adding that he looks forward to engaging with Chinese President Xi Jinping and would be "speaking Japan's praises when I'm in China with President Xi."

At the Oval Office, the two leaders signaled that further discussions would take place on trade and energy cooperation, including a joint oil project in Alaska, as both sides grapple with the broader impact of instability in the Middle East. 

Earlier reports suggested that talks could also cover the United States' "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, with Japan expected to play a role as Washington looks to involve allies in the project.

RELATED:

• From Iraq to Hormuz, US Allies in East Asia Face a Familiar Test
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Author: Kenji Yoshida