Trump Likens Iran Strike to Pearl Harbor, Meets with Japanese PM

President Trump likened his planned military strike against Iran to the Pearl Harbor attack during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, drawing criticism from allies who were not informed of the intended action.

In the surprise meeting, Trump was asked why he did not notify US allies about the intended strike on Iran, which he had called off at the last minute. Trump defended his decision, stating that he wanted to keep the element of surprise, just as the Japanese did in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor that drew the US into World War II.

The comparison to the notorious Japanese sneak attack, which killed over 2,400 American servicemembers, was met with dismay by international observers. Critics argued that Trump was trivializing one of the darkest days in US history and damaging relationships with key allies in the process.

Despite the backlash, Trump maintained that his decision to call off the Iran strike at the last minute showed restraint and a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. He stated that he was willing to negotiate with Iran, but would not rule out future military action if the regime continued its "malign" activities in the region.

The meeting with Abe came as tensions between the US and Iran remain high following the downing of an American surveillance drone and a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has imposed crippling economic sanctions on Iran, but has so far resisted calls for direct military confrontation.

Analysts say Trump's comparison of the Iran strike plan to Pearl Harbor reflects his unorthodox approach to foreign policy, which has at times alienated traditional US allies. However, the President maintains that his "America First" agenda is necessary to protect American interests on the global stage.