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Live updates: Japan’s Takaichi visits Trump, with energy, trade on agenda; Hegseth blasts Europe, media

What happened

President Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House, requesting Japan's help in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with bank-of-england-warns-iran-war-may-force-rate-hikes.html" class="story-link" title="Bank of England 'ready to act' as it warns Iran war 'shock' will push up inflati">Iran. Japan has indicated willingness to assist alongside several European nations in reopening the strategic waterway. The meeting marks Takaichi as the first U.S. ally leader to visit since Trump's request for military support in the Middle East.

Why people care

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any military involvement by Japan would mark a significant shift in the country's traditionally pacifist foreign policy. Trump's request puts key allies in a difficult position between supporting the U.S. and avoiding entanglement in Middle East conflicts.

The takes

Japan says

Japan has expressed willingness to help secure the Strait of Hormuz alongside European allies, signaling potential support for Trump's request. Prime Minister Takaichi's visit demonstrates Japan's commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance and regional stability.

Legal experts say

Trump's request puts East Asian allies like Japan in a complex legal position, as military involvement in the Middle East could conflict with their constitutional limitations on overseas military operations. The request forces allies to balance alliance obligations with domestic legal constraints.

Sources