Japan's PM Takaichi to Meet Trump, Iran Conflict Looms Large

Experts say the Iran conflict will dominate the upcoming summit between Japan's PM Takaichi and U.S. President Trump.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:08am

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As Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi travels to Washington for her first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Iran conflict is expected to be the main focus of their meeting, rather than investments or the U.S. role in Asia. Experts say Takaichi will have to navigate the issue of Japan potentially contributing military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump has called on allies to do.

Why it matters

The Japan-U.S. alliance is a cornerstone of Japan's security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. How Takaichi handles Trump's request for Japan to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for Japan's security policy and its relationship with the U.S.

The details

Before the Iran conflict, Takaichi's meeting with Trump was expected to focus on Japan's investment in the U.S., increasing defense spending, and the now-postponed summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, the Iran conflict is now likely to dominate the discussions. Trump has called on allies like Japan to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan's constitution only allows the use of force for self-defense. Takaichi will have to carefully navigate this issue, potentially offering support through refueling missions or diplomatic efforts rather than direct military deployment.

  • The meeting between Takaichi and Trump is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2026.
  • Takaichi led the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to victory in February 2026, its largest electoral win since World War II.

The players

Sanae Takaichi

The Prime Minister of Japan, who is meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is hosting the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Stephen Nagy

A professor of politics and international studies at Tokyo's International Christian University (ICU).

Jeffery Hornung

The Japan Lead for the National Security Research Division at RAND, a U.S. based think-tank.

Jesper Koll

An expert director at Tokyo-based financial services firm Monex Group.

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What they’re saying

“Takaichi will do what all Japanese PMs do, reaffirm that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's security but also to the peace and stability of the free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

— Stephen Nagy, Professor of politics and international studies at Tokyo's International Christian University (ICU)

“I'm demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their territory. It's the place from which they get their energy. And they should come and they should help us protect it.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“There has been no specific request from the United States to Japan for the dispatch of vessels.”

— Prime Minister's Office (X)

“Japan as passive support and protector, yes absolutely; but Japan as active leader and possible forward aggressor? That's like asking the sacred Sumo wrestlers to play American football.”

— Jesper Koll, Expert director at Tokyo-based financial services firm Monex Group

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.