Japanese PM Takaichi: only you can achieve peace; Trump: not putting troops anywhere

On March 19, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae visited the White House to meet with President Donald Trump. The meeting covered Japan’s support for U.S. operations regarding Iran, the question of deploying U.S. troops in the region, and congressional testimony from the CIA Director on Iran’s nuclear weapons program and threat to the United States.

PM Takaichi: “Only you, Donald, who can achieve peace”

Prime Minister Takaichi delivered a direct message of confidence in Trump’s ability to broker international peace during their joint appearance at the White House.

“I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world. To do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together,” Takaichi said. “So today I came here at the White House to directly convey this message to you.”

Trump on Japan’s support: “Really stepping up to the plate”

President Trump praised Japan’s role in supporting U.S. efforts regarding Iran, describing the bilateral relationship as strong across all areas.

“We’ve had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything, and I believe that based on statements that were given to us yesterday…having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate, yes,” Trump said.

Trump on troops: “I’m not putting troops anywhere”

When asked by a reporter whether the U.S. intended to deploy troops or additional troops to the region, Trump was direct in his response.

Q: “Do you intend to potentially put U.S. troops, or more troops, in the region?”

Trump: “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you — but I’m not putting troops.”

Trump added that the administration would “do whatever is necessary to keep the price as low” and noted recent market milestones, including the Dow reaching 50,000 and the S&P hitting 7,000 within his first year. He acknowledged that the Iran operation was a deliberate decision despite the economic momentum.

“I saw what was happening in Iran. And I said, I hate to make this excursion, but we’re going to have to do it. And I actually thought the numbers would be worse. I thought that it would go up more than it did,” Trump said. “When it’s completed, we’re going to have a much safer world. And the Prime Minister agrees with me on this.”

CIA Director confirms Iran nuclear threat in congressional testimony

In a separate congressional hearing on the same day, Rep. Josh Gottheimer questioned the CIA Director about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and intentions. The exchange produced a series of direct confirmations.

Gottheimer: “Is the Iranian regime committed to America’s destruction, in your opinion?”

CIA Director: “Yes.”

Gottheimer: “Does the Iranian regime have American blood on their hands since its founding in 1979?”

CIA Director: “Yes.”

Gottheimer: “Has Iran plotted assassination attempts against Americans on American soil?”

CIA Director: “Yes.”

Gottheimer: “Was Iran developing a nuclear weapon prior to our military action last June and did Iran remain committed to developing a nuclear weapon in the lead-up to this conflict?”

CIA Director: “Yes.”

Gottheimer: “If left unchecked, do you think Iran would have the ability to develop missiles capable of reaching the United States?”

CIA Director: “Yes.”

Gottheimer also asked whether Israel had forced the U.S. to take action, as some had claimed. The CIA Director responded: “No.”

Transcript Highlights

Transcribed from the video audio:

• I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world
• To do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together
• We’ve had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything
• I believe that based on statements that were given to us yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate
• No, I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not putting troops
• I saw what was happening in Iran. And I said, I hate to make this excursion, but we’re going to have to do it
• When it’s completed, we’re going to have a much safer world
• Was Iran developing a nuclear weapon prior to our military action last June? Yes
• If left unchecked, do you think Iran would have the ability to develop missiles capable of reaching the United States? Yes
• Did Israel force the U.S.’s hand and make us take action, as some have claimed? No