Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House amid rising tensions over the war in Iran and security in the Middle East. What was initially expected to be a strategic discussion ahead of Trump’s planned trip to China has become more complicated after Trump publicly criticized Japan and other allies for declining to help protect the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Trump has expressed frustration that allies rejected his request to contribute to safeguarding the waterway, though he later insisted that the United States does not need assistance. Takaichi has said the meeting will be very difficult and denied that Washington formally asked Japan to send warships. Japan’s postwar constitution limits the use of force to self-defense, making direct military involvement politically and legally challenging.

Analysts say Trump is likely to pressure Takaichi heavily, while she may seek to position Japan as a cooperative partner in order to secure stronger support on issues closer to home, including concerns about China and Taiwan. The shifting of United States troops from Japan to the Middle East, alongside increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan, has heightened fears in Tokyo that Washington could become distracted at a critical moment for security in East Asia.