'Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?': Trump cracks WWII joke in front of Japanese PM when asked about Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump invoked a Pearl Harbor reference when asked about the surprise element of the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Mar. 19.

He was asked by a Japanese reporter: "Why didn't you tell U.S. allies in Europe and Asia, like Japan, about the war before attacking Iran?"

To which he responded, "We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?"

Clips of the exchange surfacing on social media showed Takaichi's eyes widen a little as the 1941 Japanese surprise attack on the American naval base, which prompted the U.S. to enter World War Two, was mentioned by Trump.

A notable hush also fell around the room.

Trump added, "He’s asking me about surprise, and we did...and because of that surprise, we knocked out...we probably knocked out 50 per cent...and much more than we anticipated doing."

Hours later, the awkward moment appeared to have been forgotten as Takaichi said she and Trump were "best buddies" during the dinner event.

"A stronger Japan and a stronger America, a more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America. I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realise this shared goal," she said.

The two leaders met at the White House on Mar. 19.

The Iran war was predicted to be the primary topic of discussion in Washington, reported Al Jazeera.

Days earlier, Trump sought support from U.S. allies, including Japan and South Korea, to send warships to and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

The topic is expected to be raised again with Takaichi as Japan relies heavily on energy supplies from the Middle East, of which 70 per cent passes through the Strait.

Top image via White House/Facebook