Trump may push Japan for Middle East support during White House visit

US President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumiko Takaichi at the White House in a high-stakes visit focused on security, economic cooperation, and regional tensions. With the Iran war putting pressure on allies, Takaichi faces the delicate task of responding to US requests for Middle East support while safeguarding Japan’s legal and political limit.

Takaichi, who has sought to move Japan away from a pacifist constitution imposed after World War Two, has so far refrained from offering direct support in the Strait of Hormuz amid domestic opposition to the ongoing Iran war. Allies such as Germany, Italy, and Spain have also ruled out participating in any Gulf mission, drawing frustration from Trump, Reuters reports.

Speaking to the Japanese parliament on March 16, Takaichi said: “As I mentioned earlier, we intend to clearly convey what we can and cannot do in accordance with Japanese law.” She noted that Tokyo had received no official US request but was reviewing potential action within constitutional limits.

Chris Johnstone, a former White House official now with the Asia Group consultancy, said, “This has suddenly become a very fraught visit for Takaichi. She was hoping to be effectively the last voice in the room that could influence the president’s approach to his trip to China. Instead, she's going to be basically the first ally in the room responding to Trump's request for assistance in the Middle East.”

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, hopes to use the visit to highlight the regional risks posed by an assertive China, particularly regarding Taiwan, ahead of Trump’s previously planned—but now postponed—trip to Beijing.

US intelligence agencies added further pressure by noting that Takaichi’s remarks last year in support of Taiwan marked a “significant shift” for a Japanese leader. Takaichi maintains that her stance aligns with Japan’s long-standing policy.

During the White House meeting, Takaichi may have to navigate Trump’s request for ships to support operations in the Middle East while avoiding domestic legal and political pitfalls. Japan also anticipates that Trump will ask Tokyo to produce or co-develop missiles to replenish US stocks depleted by the Iran war and the conflict in Ukraine. Tokyo is reportedly considering its response.

Unlike Washington, Japan maintains diplomatic relations with Tehran, potentially opening a channel for diplomacy, although previous attempts by Japan to mediate with Iran in 2019 were unsuccessful.

Takaichi is also expected to reaffirm Japan’s participation in the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, which aims to detect, track, and potentially counter threats from orbit.

A White House official said the leaders would discuss implementation of the 2025 U.S.-Japan trade deal, along with energy, secure supply chains, regional security, and bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and defense.

Economic ties are also set to feature prominently. Japan plans to announce a fresh wave of investment in Trump-approved projects in the US, following a $550 billion commitment made last year to secure tariff relief. Reports indicate Tokyo could pledge around $60 billion as part of a second tranche, covering critical minerals and energy, after committing $36 billion to three initial projects.

By Vafa Guliyeva