Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call Friday to discuss ongoing trade tensions and Israel’s military actions against Iran, Japan’s foreign ministry confirmed.
Trump continues to use tariffs as a bargaining tool to push for one-on-one trade deals, including with Japan. However, Tokyo insists on a comprehensive review of the U.S. tariffs, rejecting any limited or partial agreement, according to chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa.
The two leaders also agreed to stay in close contact over Israel’s latest strikes on Iran, which began Thursday night. While Japan condemned the Israeli attacks as “escalatory,” the U.S. described them as “unilateral” and denied involvement.
Japan’s foreign ministry said Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s position on U.S. tariffs and both leaders agreed to speed up ministerial talks toward a mutually beneficial trade deal. They also underscored the need for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Trump and Ishiba are expected to meet in person next week on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada to continue discussions.
REUTERS/S.S