Trump rules out sending troops to the Middle East

The Republican leader’s comments came amid Iranian retaliatory attacks on the energy infrastructure of neighboring countries in the Middle East.

“If I were to send troops, I certainly wouldn’t say it publicly, but I’m not going to send troops and we’ll do whatever is necessary” to keep gas and oil prices low.

President Trump even defended a request for funds to finance the war in Iran, on the grounds that the US wants to ensure that the armed forces have large quantities of ammunition. “We are asking for several reasons, which go beyond even what we are discussing in Iran,” he said when asked by the press about a request for US$200 billion anticipated this day by Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.

When speaking about the relationship with Japan, the American leader praised the country’s new leader, describing her as “a very popular and powerful woman”, and called for more explicit support for the US as the Republican government works to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatened by Iran.

“We spend a lot of money on Japan,” he said, adding that “I think it’s appropriate” for the country to step up its efforts to protect the strategic route through which a fifth of global oil passes, given that Tokyo receives nearly 90% of its crude oil from the Middle East. Trump anticipated that the two leaders would also talk about Japanese minesweeper ships.

In turn, Takaichi spoke about some proposals to calm global energy markets, which have been shaken by the conflict in the Middle East.

“I look forward to our conversation, especially about our collaboration on economic security, in important areas like energy and rare earth minerals,” she told Trump before their meeting at the White House.

The prime minister also expressed her intention to improve relations with China and maintain diplomatic ties based on dialogue.

This Thursday, Japan signed a declaration with European countries demanding that Iran immediately cease its attacks on ships and infrastructure, as well as an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, Tokyo said it was evaluating how best to “contribute to appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the sea route, after being pressured by Trump.