March 20, 2026 | 02:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump defended his decision to launch an attack on Iran by comparing it to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The statement was made during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House.
According to Kyodo News, Trump emphasized that surprise was a key element of the military operation. "We went in very hard, and we didn't tell anybody about it because we wanted surprise," said Trump. He then added, "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor? Okay? Right?"
Trump referred to the strategy as having a significant impact in the initial phase of the attack. "Because of that surprise, we knocked out the first two days, we probably knocked out 50 percent of what we -- and much more than we anticipated doing," he said.
As reported by The Japan Times, Trump's statement sparked an awkward atmosphere. Takaichi appeared surprised upon hearing the reference to the Pearl Harbor attack and did not provide an immediate response. Similar reactions also came from American and Japanese journalists present, with audible complaints in the room.
The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, killed more than 2,400 American citizens and drew Washington into World War II. The President at that time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, referred to the event as a "date which will live in infamy." More than eight decades after the war ended, the historical issue remains sensitive in Japan and the region.
In the same meeting, Trump once again urged allies, including Japan and NATO members, to increase their contributions in the Middle East conflict. He specifically highlighted the importance of securing the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy distribution route affected by the conflict.
"I expect Japan to step up, because, you know, we have that kind of relationship," said Trump. "We have 45,000 soldiers in Japan. We have, we spend a lot of money on Japan...so I expect, I'm not surprised that they would step up," he added.
He also criticized European allies for being reluctant to assist. "We're defending the strait for everybody else. And then in the case of NATO, they don't want to help us defend the strait," Trump revealed.
Despite controversial statements, Trump praised the relationship between the United States and Japan. They also discussed regional issues, including stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Read: Trump Extends Eid Greetings to American Muslims
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