The Globalist Why the US is pressing Japan for help with Iran
Mar 20, 2026
Lars Bavanger, Oslo correspondent covering royal affairs and energy markets. Andrew Muller, satirical commentator with sharp weekly takeaways. Gorana Gerjic, security correspondent reviewing international press. They discuss Trump pressing Japan to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic rituals and costs in the US–Japan alliance, renewed Gulf attacks and the munitions toll, plus reactions across Europe.
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Japanese Public Limits Japan's Military Role In Iran
- Trump's rhetoric raises domestic unease in Japan but politicians accept him as a fact of life and prioritise pragmatic handling.
- Public opposition would grow if Tokyo sent forces to Iran due to constitutional and political limits.
EU Summit's Competitiveness Agenda Derailed By Crises
- EU summit focused on competitiveness was overtaken by crises: Iran war, energy prices, and a stalled €90bn loan to Ukraine.
- Nina dos Santos describes Viktor Orban blocking the final rubber-stamp and leaders kicking the issue down the road.
Energy Shock Pressures EU Climate Policy Resilience
- Ten EU countries pushed to water down carbon pricing to ease energy-cost pain, showing short-term pressures can override climate policy.
- Nina dos Santos says leaders sought temporary ETS relief amid soaring oil prices.