US President Donald Trump’s attempt to justify secrecy around American strikes on Iran led to an awkward moment during his meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House.

The exchange came when Trump was asked why key allies, including Japan and European nations, were not informed in advance about the operation. Defending the decision, Trump said, “Well, one thing, you don't want to signal too much. When we go in, we went in very hard, and we didn't tell anybody about it because we wanted surprise.”

Pearl Harbor remark sparks reaction

Trump then invoked Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, drawing a comparison that appeared to unsettle Takaichi. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan, OK? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor, OK?” Trump said. “You believe in surprise, I think much more so than us, and we had to surprise them, and we did.”

He further justified the move by highlighting the strategic advantage of secrecy. “Because of that surprise, we knocked out-the first two days we probably knocked out 50 per cent of what we and much more than we anticipated doing. So, if I go and tell everybody about it, there's no longer a surprise, right?”

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According to a foreign pool report, Takaichi’s reaction was immediate. Her “eyes widening and her smile disappearing” as she “leaned back, drawing her hands in, clearly taken aback by the sudden mention of Pearl Harbor.”

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Warm ties, but brief tension

Despite the moment, the overall meeting reflected strong diplomatic ties. Trump repeatedly praised Takaichi, calling her a “great woman” and saying they had “a very fine relationship.” At a dinner later, he described her as “a spectacular woman” and said it was “an honor to have you with us at the White House.”

Takaichi also emphasised the relationship, stating, “I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realize this shared goal,” and later adding, “Japan is back.”

Trump also urged Japan to take a more active role in regional matters, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. “I expect Japan to step up because, you know, we have that kind of relationship,” he said, noting Japan’s heavy reliance on oil passing through the region.

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On China, Takaichi maintained a balanced stance, saying Japan has “been consistently open to dialogue with China” and hopes US-China ties will support “regional security” and “the global supply chain.”

While the US and Japan share strong post-war ties, the reference to Pearl Harbor- a deeply sensitive historical event- briefly disrupted the otherwise cordial tone of the meeting.