20.03.2026 14:40
The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaiçi Sanae has become a topic of discussion. During the meeting in the Oval Office, Trump's reference to "Pearl Harbor" caused the White House to go almost cold.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Takaiichi Sanae at the White House. The two leaders, answering questions from journalists in the Oval Office, made striking statements regarding global developments, particularly concerning Iran.
"IF I SENT TROOPS, I WOULDN'T TELL YOU"
While evaluating the U.S. strategy regarding the ongoing tensions with Iran, Trump gave a clear answer to the question of whether a ground operation would be conducted in the region. Trump stated, "I am not sending any U.S. troops. If I were to send them, I wouldn't tell you, but I am not sending them."
SUPPORT FROM JAPAN TO THE U.S.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaiichi Sanae expressed support for the U.S. policies towards Iran, stating, "Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons." Takaiichi condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries and attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the events pose serious risks to the global economy. Takaiichi said, "I believe that the only person who can ensure peace in the world is President Trump. In this regard, I am ready to reach out to our international partners."
"PEARL HARBOR" TENSION IN THE OVAL OFFICE
During the press conference, when a Japanese journalist asked why allies were not informed before the attacks on Iran, Trump gave a notable response. Trump humorously said, "We wanted it to be a surprise. Who knows more about surprises than Japan? Why didn't you say anything about Pearl Harbor?" Trump's remarks caused laughter among the U.S. delegation, while the reaction of the Japanese delegation was captured on camera.
WHAT IS THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK?
The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, which Trump referred to, was a turning point that led the U.S. to enter World War II. In Japan's assault on the base in Hawaii, 2,403 American soldiers were killed, and 12 warships were severely damaged. The U.S. responded to this attack by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, an event that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians.