Trump makes Pearl Harbor remark in meeting with Japan's PM

BBC News
March 20, 2026
2 min read

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Trump compares U.S. strikes on Iran to 1941 Japanese Pearl Harbor attack during meeting with Japan's PM.

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President Trump made a Pearl Harbor remark during a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister. He compared US strikes on Iran to the 1941 Japanese attack and declaration of war that initiated World War Two. This comparison was made as part of discussions with a key US ally. The comment draws a parallel between a historical act of war against the United States and current US military actions.

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