E-Paper
US can ‘easily take' Iran oil, unsure if Americans have patience for war: Trump
Trump said the US could “very easily” seize Iran’s oil resources, but acknowledged that such a move may not align with public expectations.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he is unsure whether Americans have the patience for the Iran war to continue. His remarks at a private Easter lunch at the White House reflected the domestic pressure to bring the conflict to an end.
Trump addressed the country today ( April 2) on the ongoing war with Iran. He reiterated that the military action would end in two to three weeks and heaped praise on the US military for a “decisive” blow to Iran. Follow LIVE updates here
During his private remarks, the president said the United States could “very easily” seize Iran’s oil resources, but acknowledged that such a move may not align with public expectations, according to Associated Press.
Also read | 'Meteor showers from Mars': Iran mocks Trump with missile launch after his final warning in key speech
“It is unfortunate” that patience seems limited, he said, adding that many Americans are pushing for a quick resolution: “Just win. You're winning so big. Just win. Come home.” Trump added that he was “OK with that too.”
Oil routes and burden-sharing
Trump also raised the issue of securing the Strait of Hormuz, calling on Asian economies to take a more active role.
“Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 soldiers in harm's way over there, right next to a nuclear force - let South Korea do it,” he said. “Let Japan do it. They get 90 per cent of their oil from the strait. Let China do it.”
Fresh attack on NATO
The president criticised NATO, calling it “very bad allies” and a “paper tiger”.
Also read | Trump isolated by NATO allies? Countries close airspace, refuse to join Iran war
“NATO treated us very badly… and they'll be treating us badly again if we ever need them,” he said, adding, “NATO won't be there if we ever have the big one.”
Trump's address
In his address on Thursday, Trump issued fresh warnings to Iran, praised US troops involved in ‘Operation Epic Fury’, and outlined a possible timeline for ending the war.
His remarks come amid continued disruptions in operations at the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route that has been largely blocked since the conflict began. Crude prices have risen in recent weeks, with global markets under strain.
Iran launched missiles toward Israel shortly after Trump’s address, in which he urged Tehran to stop hostilities and reach a deal.
Israel’s military said its air defence systems were responding after detecting missile launches from Iran. In a statement, it said missiles had been identified “toward the territory of the State of Israel” for the third time in just over three hours, adding that “defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.”
(With AP inputs)
