Trump Dismisses Gulf-Iran Talks as ‘Up to Them’
US President Donald Trump has played down diplomatic engagement between Iran and Gulf countries, saying he had no objection to the talks but was not personally concerned about them as regional leaders explored ways to ease tensions during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Trump Says Gulf-Iran Talks Are ‘Fine’
Asked about discussions involving Iran and Gulf states, Trump said the meetings were “up to them” and described them as “fine”.
His remarks came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Iran and the UAE said they wanted to move beyond recent tensions and explore stronger economic cooperation.
Iran and Gulf States Explore Hormuz Diplomacy
The diplomatic outreach comes amid efforts to address shipping and security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have been discussing possible arrangements aimed at stabilising maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, although separate talks planned in Oman have faced delays over regional consensus.
The Strait of Hormuz remains crucial to global energy markets and has been heavily affected by the continuing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
Trump Predicts Iran Conflict Will End
Trump reiterated his prediction that the Iran conflict could end around the time of the US midterm elections in November.
He also claimed Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington but said the United States would accept only what he considered the “right deal”.
Trump predicted that gasoline and oil prices would fall sharply once the conflict ends, after months of disruption to Gulf energy supplies pushed global crude prices above $100 a barrel.
