Trump seeks Japan's support in war against Iran
Photo: Donald Trump and Sanae Takaichi (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump wants to involve Japan in a military conflict against Iran amid a lack of adequate support from European allies, Reuters reports.
Trump may use a White House meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister to press for help in the war against Iran, which would put Sanae Takaichi in an awkward position as Tokyo weighs what support the country can provide to its ally.
Trump previously criticized allies for their lukewarm support of the US-Israeli military campaign and stated that the US does not need any help. However, he still insists on more ships for mine clearance and escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, Takaichi told parliament that Japan had not received any official request from the United States but was examining the scope of possible actions within the limits of its constitution.
On Wednesday, US intelligence agencies created even more potential awkwardness for Takaichi by stating that her remarks made last year in support of Taiwan marked a significant shift for the Japanese leader.
Takaichi argued that her stance, which led to a sharp deterioration in Tokyo's relations with Beijing, is consistent with Japan's long-standing policy.
Japan also expects Trump to ask Tokyo to produce or jointly develop missiles that could help replenish US ammunition stocks depleted by the war in Iran and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US operation against Iran
Earlier, Donald Trump stated that Washington was not yet ready to end the operation in Iran, but would do so in the near future.
He also publicly criticized Iran for blocking the Strait of Hormuz. He believes that the blockade of this strategically important waterway is unfair, since the US has already won the war against Iran.
According to Trump, the US received significant support from Middle Eastern countries in the context of this operation, but received virtually no support from NATO.
