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

BBC
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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Japan's Prime Minister describes upcoming talks with Trump as 'difficult' amid escalating Iran conflict.

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Japan's Prime Minister is preparing for talks with President Trump amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran. The Japanese leader has described the upcoming discussions as "difficult," signaling concern about how U.S. policy shifts under Trump could affect Japan's regional interests and energy security. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports and has maintained diplomatic channels with Iran despite U.S. sanctions, creating potential friction with the Trump administration's more confrontational approach to Tehran. The timing reflects Japan's broader anxiety about being caught between American pressure and its own economic dependencies in the region. These talks will likely cover trade, security alliances, and how Tokyo should position itself as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate.

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