Overview
- Asked why allies were not told in advance about the Feb. 28 strikes on Iran, President Trump replied that secrecy was essential and quipped to a Japanese reporter, “Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
- Trump argued that surprise produced early battlefield gains, claiming the first two days “probably knocked out 50 percent” of Iranian capabilities.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not answer the remark and appeared uneasy, as Japan cites legal limits on force abroad and has not committed naval escorts for the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump praised Japan as “stepping up” and contrasted it with NATO while pressing partners to help secure the vital waterway for global energy shipments.
- Japan and several European leaders have stated readiness to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the strait, but Tokyo has indicated there is no plan to dispatch warships and noted no specific U.S. request for vessels.