Trump draws gasps with shocking Pearl Harbor quip in front of Japanese PM over Iran ‘surprise attack’

President Trump said he deliberately kept Japan in the dark about the recent U.S. strike on Iran, explaining that secrecy was necessary to maintain the element of surprise. During a conversation Thursday in the Oval Office, Trump addressed a question from a Japanese reporter while Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was seated beside him.

Trump said the administration chose not to alert other countries in advance because revealing the plan would have undermined the operation. He pointed to Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor as an example of how surprise can shape military outcomes. The strike on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 Americans.

Referring to that historical event, Trump remarked that Japan understands the impact of surprise attacks. He said that keeping the mission confidential allowed U.S. forces to disable a significant portion of their intended targets quickly. According to Trump, the results in the opening days of the operation exceeded expectations, and he argued that informing others beforehand would have eliminated the strategic advantage.

Takaichi largely maintained a neutral expression as Trump referenced the World War II attack and did not publicly respond to the comparison.

Earlier in the meeting, Trump greeted Takaichi warmly at the White House and praised Japan for supporting the U.S. position regarding Iran. He said Tokyo was showing strong backing for Washington’s approach, contrasting that support with what he described as a lack of similar action from NATO allies.

The two leaders were expected to discuss whether Japan might deploy mine-sweeping vessels to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s effective closure of the key shipping route since the start of combat operations on Feb. 28 has triggered a sharp rise in global fuel prices.

Takaichi said Japan is prepared to provide strong diplomatic backing for efforts to reopen the strait and to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. She told Trump that she intends to engage with partners around the world to pursue those goals.

Speaking about the situation with Iran, Takaichi said Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. She also stated that Japan condemns actions by Iran that include attacks in the surrounding region and the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi added that Japan’s foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, had direct discussions with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, during which Japan urged Tehran to halt those activities.

The Japanese prime minister also said she brought proposals aimed at stabilizing global energy markets, though she did not provide details. She warned that the ongoing disruption threatens to deal significant damage to the world economy.