Trump says US could become Middle East's 'guardian' for 20% of region's revenue
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the evolving situation in the post-conflict Middle East, President Donald Trump suggested that regional protection should come with a financial return for the United States.
Trump warned Iran that the US could resume strikes if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear accord with the US.
Trump reveals price to become Middle East's caretaker
President Donald Trump told The New York Times on Sunday, June 14, that if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear accord with the United States, he would restart military attacks on Tehran or make the United States “the guardian of the Middle East” in return for 20% of the region’s revenues.
During a phone interview with the outlet, Trump discussed the probable outcome of a potential deal with Iran, stating that the agreement he reached with Iran would ultimately ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains "permanently toll free."
He further argued that, despite the objections of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he had saved Israel from nuclear obliteration.
Efforts ongoing to secure a final US-Iran deal
Diplomatic efforts to secure a deal between the US and Iran have been ongoing for over three months.
In the negotiations led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, Iran has repeatedly insisted that it has the right to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons under international agreements.
During the interview, Trump also said that talks to suspend Iran’s enriched uranium had been going on for 20 years, though he suggested a 15-year pause could be acceptable.
He added that any future enrichment would be permanently limited to low levels that could not be used for military purposes.
Trump lauds Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping
During the 28-minute phone call with The New York Times, Trump also lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for aiding in the settlement.
Trump eventually excoriated Netanyahu for mounting attacks that nearly derailed the final agreement.
While expressing his discontent with Netanyahu, Trump said that the Israeli premier is “a very difficult guy.”
“And to be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this, because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours," he added.
