

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday praised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and said he believed Japan is “stepping up to the plate” on Iran, as the two held closely watched talks at the White House on Thursday,Trump has expressed frustration with Washington’s partners amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, pushing for partners to send warships to escort tankers and clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the majority of Japan’s energy flows.
Just ahead of the meeting, Japan joined a handful of European nations in issuing a joint statement calling for an “immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations” and expressing a readiness “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”


