Sanae Takaichi set for high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump over Iran - Financial Times

Sanae Takaichi is preparing for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump focused on Iran policy. Takaichi, Japan's economic security minister, is expected to discuss Tokyo's strategic interests and concerns regarding the Trump administration's approach to Iran, a critical issue given Japan's historical trade ties to the region and energy security considerations. The meeting signals Japan's effort to shape U.S. Iran policy during Trump's second term rather than simply react to it. Japan has walked a diplomatic tightrope between maintaining ties with Washington and preserving economic relationships in the Middle East, making direct engagement with Trump on this issue strategically important. The timing suggests the Japanese government views the current moment as critical for influencing Trump's Iran decisions before policy is fully crystallized.