Washington, March 20 (NationPress) President Donald Trump’s effort to justify the secrecy surrounding US military actions against Iran by referencing Pearl Harbor seemed to catch Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi off guard during their White House discussion, resulting in an uncomfortable pause amid a generally amicable atmosphere of alliance.

This moment occurred when Trump was queried about why allies in Europe and Asia, Japan included, were not notified prior to the strike.

“One thing is clear, you want to maintain an element of surprise,” Trump stated. “When we initiated our action, we did so with great force, and we didn’t inform anyone beforehand because we aimed for that surprise.”

He then brought up Japan’s infamous 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

“Who understands surprise better than Japan, right? Why didn’t you inform me about Pearl Harbor, right?” Trump remarked. “You understand surprise, likely more than we do, and we had to achieve that surprise, and we did.”

He maintained that the choice to keep allies uninformed was crucial for maintaining military leverage. “Thanks to that surprise, we incapacitated -- in the initial two days we likely eliminated 50 percent of our targets and achieved more than we had anticipated. So, if I inform everyone ahead of time, the surprise is lost, correct?”

According to a report from the foreign pool, Takaichi's reaction was immediate when Trump made the Pearl Harbor reference. Her “eyes widened and her smile faded” as she “leaned back, withdrawing her hands, clearly startled by the unexpected mention of Pearl Harbor.”

This comment stood out amidst a visit characterized by unusually cordial exchanges between the two leaders.

Trump consistently praised Takaichi, calling her a “remarkable woman” and stating they shared “an excellent relationship.” At a dinner later that night, he referred to her as “a fantastic woman” and expressed, “It’s a privilege to have you here at the White House.”

Takaichi reciprocated the personal rapport, asserting, “I am confident that Donald and I are the best partners in achieving our common goal,” and later added, “Japan is on the rise again.”

Nonetheless, the Pearl Harbor comment briefly disrupted the carefully curated tone of the meeting.

Trump’s broader message to Japan emphasized the need for allies to “step up” in matters that directly impact their interests, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. “I look forward to Japan stepping up because that’s the nature of our relationship,” he stated. “Japan relies on the Strait for over 90 percent of its oil.”

Takaichi did not publicly address the Pearl Harbor comment during the meeting. On the topic of China, she maintained a measured stance, expressing that Japan has “always been open to dialogue with China” and hoped for a US-China relationship that would bolster “regional security” and “the global supply chain.”

Following World War II, the United States and Japan reconstructed their ties, forming one of the closest alliances of the post-war era. The Pearl Harbor incident remains a profoundly symbolic and sensitive historical reference, even as both nations now collaborate closely on defense, trade, and regional security.