Takaichi vows to 'remind' Trump what Japan 'can and cannot do' regarding Iran

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Wednesday (March 18) she would remind U.S. President Donald Trump what Japan “can and cannot do” regarding the Middle East situation ahead of their summit in Washington.

“We intend to clearly convey what we can and cannot do in accordance with Japanese law,” said Takaichi at an upper house parliamentary session after being asked what she would do if Trump requested Japan to deploy military force to the Strait of Hormuz.

“When Prime Minister Abe was in office, he carefully explained Japan's Constitution (to Trump) and made it clear that what cannot be done simply cannot be done. If Trump has forgotten about it, we will convey this to him clearly again,” added Takaichi.

Takaichi is the first major ally set for face-to-face talks with Trump since he demanded that Japan, among a coalition of nations, send ships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz waterway, largely closed by Iran in the conflict.

She told parliament earlier this week that Japan had received no official request from the United States, but was checking the scope of possible action within the limits of its pacifist constitution.

Production: Irene Wang/Reuters