Final answer:
Isoroku Yamamoto attacked Pearl Harbor to prevent US interference with Japan's expansion in Asia and to secure vital resources from Southeast Asia, aiming to significantly weaken the American Pacific fleet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto believed it was necessary to attack Pearl Harbor primarily to prevent the United States from interfering with Japan's empire expansion in Asia. Knowing that the US imposed an embargo that threatened Japan's supply of essential resources, and understanding the US's military capability, he aimed to incapacitate the American Pacific fleet. The surprise attack met Japan's strategic objectives to secure Southeast Asia's valuable resources and prevent immediate American military response.