US President Donald Trump made an apparent verbal slip during the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday when he mistakenly referred to the “Islamic Republic of Japan” instead of Iran while discussing missile attacks and US air defence systems.
The Remark
Speaking alongside Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump was answering a question about whether Europe could manufacture Patriot missile interceptors for Ukraine.
During his response, he said:
“We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan.”
Based on the surrounding context, he appeared to mean the Islamic Republic of Iran.
What Trump Was Referring To
Trump went on to describe a missile attack that he said targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) over roughly an hour.
According to his remarks:
- 111 missiles were launched.
- The missiles were intercepted.
- Patriot air defence systems played a major role in stopping the attack.
He used the example to praise the effectiveness of the Patriot missile defence system and the capabilities of American defence manufacturers.
Why the Comment Drew Attention
Japan is one of the United States’ closest allies and has no connection to the Islamic Republic, making the statement an obvious verbal mistake.
The comment quickly attracted attention because it came during discussions on heightened tensions involving Iran and regional security.
Broader Context
Trump’s remarks were delivered amid continued geopolitical tensions involving Iran, including discussions surrounding US military operations and regional security in the Middle East.
The president used the anecdote primarily to argue that Patriot missile systems remain among the world’s most effective defensive weapons before moving on to broader foreign policy issues.