Japan PM to hold 'difficult' talks with Trump as Iran conflict looms large

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington for talks expected to be "difficult" due to the ongoing war and its impact on the Strait of Hormuz. The three-day visit, planned before the conflict escalated, was initially intended to focus on trade and strengthening the US-Japan alliance ahead of Trump's now-postponed trip to China. Trump had previously requested allies, including Japan, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, citing their dependence on Middle Eastern oil, but later retracted the request after a limited response. Takaichi aims to represent Japan's interests during the discussions, acknowledging the challenges posed by Trump's shifting stance on international assistance. The meeting is a test of the relationship between the two leaders amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape.

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