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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) expressed gratitude to key regional allies in West Asia while addressing rising tensions and economic concerns amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Speaking in an offical address to the nation from the White House, Trump said, " I want to thank our allies in the Middle East, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. They've been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape or form," underscoring continued US support for its partners in the region. The US President also addressed domestic concerns over rising fuel prices, attributing the increase to the Iranian "terror attacks" against commercial oil tankers and neighbouring countries. He said, "Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home. This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighbouring countries that have nothing to do with the conflict." Trump reiterated his administration's longstanding position on Iran's nuclear program, claiming the ongoing Iranian strikes as "proof". Trump said, " This is yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons. They will use them, and they will use them quickly." Highlighting potential global consequences, he added, "It would lead to decades of extortion, economic pain and instability worse than we can ever imagine." Trump called on oil-importing nations to "build up some delayed courage" and take responsibility for reclaiming the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the burden of securing the Iranian-blocked waterway should be shared by international partners. The President stated that these countries "[they] should have done it before, should have done it with us, as we asked." He further urged them to "go to the strait and just take it, protect it," as his administration continues its military campaign in the region. Trump's speech signalled growing concern in Washington over the ongoing conflict, its impact on global energy markets, and reaffirmation of US commitments by the President to its West Asian allies. (ANI)
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