Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that wealthy Gulf countries should reimburse the United States for providing security in one of the world’s most strategically important regions, arguing that Washington continues to bear the financial burden despite no longer relying heavily on Middle Eastern oil.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said countries benefiting from American military protection should contribute more toward the cost of maintaining regional stability.

“I want to be reimbursed because we’re protecting a very rich portion of the world,” Trump said.

Trump Says Gulf Allies Benefit From US Military Protection

Trump named Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait as countries that benefit from the US security umbrella.

According to the US President, Washington continues to protect its allies and maintain stability in the Gulf even though the United States is no longer dependent on the region for its energy needs.

“We don’t need it, but we need it from the standpoint of protecting allies, including Israel, including Saudi Arabia, including Qatar, including UAE,” he said.

His remarks reflect a long-standing position that America’s wealthy allies should shoulder a greater share of defence costs, a policy he advocated during both his presidential terms.

Trump Announces Renewed Blockade on Iran

Trump also announced that the United States would restore a blockade targeting Iran, saying the move was aimed at increasing economic pressure on Tehran.

He stated that while commercial shipping by other countries would continue, businesses dealing with Iran would face restrictions.

“We’re putting the blockade back and it’s a blockade, not for anybody but Iran,” Trump said.

“Anybody doing business with Iran can’t go through. Everyone else will be able to go through.”

Trump argued that economic pressure through the blockade had proven highly effective and suggested it was as impactful as direct military action.

Claims Iran’s Military Has Been Severely Weakened

Defending recent US military operations against Iran, Trump claimed American forces had significantly degraded Tehran’s military capabilities.

He said Iran’s navy had been “knocked out” within a month and claimed its air force was now “nonexistent.” He also asserted that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities had been substantially weakened.

Reiterating his administration’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said the United States remained committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Trump’s latest remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Washington continuing its policy of military deterrence and economic pressure on Iran while reaffirming its security commitments to key regional allies.