Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she plans to hold “substantial discussions” with U.S. President Donald Trump during her upcoming visit to Washington, as rising tensions surrounding Iran and risks to global energy security move to the forefront of bilateral talks.
“From now, I will be heading to Washington, D.C.,” Takaichi said during a March 18 press conference, adding that “the top priority is the early de-escalation of the situation” in the Middle East. She said that instability linked to Iran is threatening “the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and global peace and stability, including energy security,” according to an official transcript released by the Japanese government.
promote cooperation across a wide range of areas, such as security and the economy, including economic security. I will also discuss the increasingly tense situation surrounding Iran.” (2/2)
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) March 18, 2026
Takaichi said she intends to “engage in substantial discussions based on Japan’s point of view,” while avoiding pre-judging the outcome of the summit. She added that prolonged instability could place both Japan and the United States, along with other countries, in a “difficult economic position,” citing potential disruptions to economic security.
The planned meeting follows a January telephone call between Takaichi and Trump, during which the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across economic and security areas and to strengthen coordination on Indo-Pacific issues, according to an official readout from Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office. Takaichi said at the time that it was “extremely significant” to confirm close coordination at the start of the year.
In a statement posted by the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of her departure, Takaichi said she would “confirm the unwavering bond between Japan and the United States” and promote cooperation “across a wide range of areas, such as security and the economy, including economic security,” while also addressing “the increasingly tense situation surrounding Iran.”
The upcoming visit comes weeks after Trump publicly endorsed Takaichi ahead of Japan’s snap general election in February. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described her as a “strong, powerful, and wise leader” and said he looked forward to welcoming her to the White House.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 12:42 PM EST 02.05.26
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 5, 2026
The Great Country of Japan is having a very important Legislative Election on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The results of this Election are very important to the future of Japan. The Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has already… pic.twitter.com/qn7XBmvmHZ
Following her coalition’s victory, Trump congratulated Takaichi, calling the result “one of the biggest votes in the country’s history” and reiterating his support for her leadership and policy agenda.
Japanese officials have not disclosed specific agenda items for the Washington meeting, but Takaichi said discussions are expected to cover security cooperation, economic ties, and the broader geopolitical environment, including developments in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.
She also said she intends to reaffirm a shared commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” which remains a central pillar of Japan’s diplomatic strategy.
By
By
