Trump's Unexpected Response When Asked About the Reason for Suddenly Attacking Iran

US President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected response when questioned about the reason his country did not notify allies before launching an attack on Iran. The moment occurred during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office on Thursday (local time). When asked by a Japanese journalist, Trump stated that the attack was carried out without prior notice to maintain the element of surprise. However, he then added a shocking statement. “Who knows more about surprise attacks than Japan… Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor back then?” Trump said, quoted from CNBC.com on Friday (20/3/2026). The statement refers to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, the US military base, in 1941. Takaichi appeared stunned and showed an uncomfortable expression upon hearing the comment. Trump emphasised that the surprise attack strategy on Iran was effective. He claimed that approximately 50% of targets were successfully neutralised in the first two days. On the other hand, the US is also pressing Japan and other allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz. However, Japan stated that it has no plans to send military ships to the area and will consider steps in accordance with applicable legal frameworks. Several European countries have taken a similar stance. French President Emmanuel Macron and German officials affirmed that the conflict is not part of their involvement. Trump’s comments simultaneously highlight tensions in coordination between the US and its allies amid the escalation of the Iran conflict.