Ishiba and Trump Discuss Tariffs and Israel-Iran Tensions Ahead of G7

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Friday, addressing U.S. tariff policies and the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to Japan’s foreign ministry.

The discussion comes as Trump continues to push for bilateral trade deals using tariffs as leverage. Japan remains firm on its demand for a comprehensive review of U.S. tariffs and has rejected the idea of a partial agreement. Chief Japanese negotiator Ryosei Akazawa emphasized Tokyo’s stance following the latest round of tariff consultations in Washington.

During the call, Ishiba reiterated Japan’s position on U.S. trade measures and stressed the importance of concluding a mutually beneficial agreement. Both leaders agreed to accelerate talks between their respective trade ministers.

On the geopolitical front, Trump and Ishiba exchanged views on Israel’s recent strikes against Iran, which began late Thursday U.S. time. Japan criticized the attacks as escalatory, while the U.S. distanced itself from the actions, calling them unilateral and stating that Washington was not directly involved.

Despite differing views on Israel’s actions, both leaders reaffirmed the need for continued communication and emphasized their shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The call sets the stage for an in-person meeting between Trump and Ishiba on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, where trade and regional security are expected to top the agenda.

A White House official confirmed the call, which highlights the ongoing efforts by both nations to navigate complex trade dynamics and Middle East tensions. The diplomatic engagement also signals Japan’s strategic push for tariff reform amid global economic uncertainty.