WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday amid the war with Iran and Trump's calls for help in the Strait of Hormuz.

Due to the war and unsuccessful pleas for U.S. allies, including Japan, to help protect the critical global shipping route for oil and gas, Takaichi's visit comes at a crucial time.

Before leaving Japan, Takaichi said she expected her meeting with Trump to be "very difficult," denying that the Trump administration officially requested Japanese warships for the conflict. But she later told Trump that Japan is opposed to Iran's development of a nuclear program and appealed to his desire to be seen as a peacemaker.

Trump praised Takaichi and said she is a "popular powerful woman." He said the two plan to talk about trade "and many other things" during Takaichi's visit.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his discontent with the rejections by allies to protect the Strait. In a post on Truth Social about the lack of help, he wrote, "In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!"

Trump's meeting with Takaichi, which will be followed by a dinner Thursday night, was supposed to give Japan's new prime minister an opportunity to have Trump's ear before he embarked on a trip to China.

While the trip was postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East, Trump said he plans to go there soon. He also described Japan's relationship with China as "edgy."

Takaichi said Japan has been "consistently open to dislodge with China," also noting that Japan is addressing relations with China "in a calm manner."

Ahead of meeting Trump, Takaichi wanted to focus on trade, strengthening the U.S.-Japan relationship, as well as security concerns. Japanese officials said Trump and Takaichi will work to "deepen cooperation in regional security, critical minerals, energy and dealing with China."

China views Taiwan, which the U.S. relies on for its production of computer chips, as its sovereign territory and has said it would take it by force if needed. Taiwan is currently self-governed.