Washington: 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.

US Reaffirms Support for Regional Allies

Speaking in an official address to the nation from the White House, Trump thanked several countries in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

“I want to thank our allies in the Middle East… They’ve been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape or form,” he said, underscoring continued US support for its partners.

Blames Iran for Rising Fuel Prices

The US President also addressed domestic concerns over increasing gasoline prices, attributing the surge to Iran’s actions.

“Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices… 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 stated.

Strong Warning Over Iran’s Nuclear Program

Reiterating his administration’s stance, Trump warned against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He described the ongoing conflict as further evidence of the threat posed by Tehran.

“This is yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons. They will use them, and they will use them quickly,” he said.

He also cautioned that such a scenario could lead to prolonged economic instability and global insecurity.

Call for Shared Responsibility on Strait of Hormuz

Trump urged oil-importing nations to take greater responsibility in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the ongoing conflict.

He called on these countries to “build up some delayed courage” and act to protect the crucial maritime route, adding that they “should have done it before” alongside the US.

The President emphasised that safeguarding the strait should be a shared international effort rather than relying solely on American intervention.

Concerns Over Global Impact of Conflict

Trump’s address highlighted growing concerns in Washington regarding the broader implications of the conflict, particularly its impact on global energy markets.

He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to its West Asian allies while signalling the need for collective action to address the escalating situation.