US President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on 19/3 to discuss bilateral relations. However, the subsequent press conference primarily focused on the Middle East conflict, with a Japanese reporter asking why the US did not notify its European and Asian allies, including Tokyo, about the decision to launch an attack on Iran on 28/2.
"We acted decisively and did not inform anyone because we wanted to maintain the element of surprise", Trump responded. "Who understands the element of surprise better than Japan? Why didn't you inform us about Pearl Harbor?"
The US leader referred to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and other US bases on Oahu, Hawaii, in 12/1941, an event that led the US to declare its entry into World War II. After the war, the US and Japan signed a peace treaty in 9/1951 and have been allies since then.
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US President Donald Trump (right) hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office on 19/3. Photo: AFP |
"I think you believe in the element of surprise even more than we do", Trump continued.
Trump's remarks elicited laughter from some in the Oval Office. The room included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other officials. Ms. Takaichi also appeared to smile but listened without responding to Trump.
The White House leader continued to explain why the element of surprise was important. "We had to create surprise, and we succeeded. Thanks to that element, we probably destroyed 50% of the targets in the first two days. If I had informed everyone, there would have been no surprise left".
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Water erupts as the battleship USS West Virginia is hit by a torpedo during the air raid on Ford Island during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7/12/1941. Photo: AFP |
The Japanese prime minister met Trump amid record-high retail gasoline prices in Japan, as the Middle East conflict disrupted global energy markets. The two leaders discussed energy costs, trade, and other issues. In her remarks, Ms. Takaichi stated that the global economy would suffer "a very strong blow" from this conflict.
Trump said oil prices had not risen as sharply as he anticipated. "Everything is going very well, the economy is stable, oil prices are very low, and gasoline prices are also decreasing", the US President said. "I actually thought the numbers would be worse. Things will end soon".
The US and Israel coordinated an attack operation against Iran starting on 28/2, surprising Tehran and most countries worldwide. The conflict is about to enter its fourth week, having caused over 2.000 deaths and showing no signs of de-escalation.
Duc Trung (According to NBC News, Hill, Mainichi)
