Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won a degree of understanding for Japan’s position on Iran during her summit with Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, as the U.S. president praised Tokyo for “stepping up to the plate.”
Takaichi successfully avoided a rift with Trump over the issue after he expressed frustration with partners for not sending warships to escort tankers and clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the majority of Japan’s energy flows, amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
“I believe that, based on statements that were given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate, yes — unlike NATO,” Trump told reporters at the opening of his meeting with Takaichi.
