US President Donald Trump has stressed that Washington would not contribute to Iranian reconstruction but said if other countries want to invest, they can.
The US president has faced political pressure domestically amid reports that the deal with Iran will lead to the release of the country’s frozen assets.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference at the G7 summit, Trump said that Iran needs investment, claiming that the war caused “maybe two trillion dollars” in damages.
“So, somebody’s going to have to help them out. There’s no guarantee about helping them out. It could be their neighbours will help them out a little bit, I don’t know. But we’re not investing any money.”
Donald Trump
He also dismissed reports that the US-Iran MoU includes $300bn in reconstruction funds, saying, “We’re not doing anything.” “We’re not putting up money in Iran, but if people want to invest, they can invest,” he stated.
Without elaborating, Trump added that the $300bn will only come to fruition “if they’re doing things right.”
Trump addressed the offers from France and the UK to coordinate military efforts to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier that France was prepared to lead an effort, alongside about 20 other countries, in the waterway.
“We don’t need it. By the way, they all want to do it. They want to be part of it now – not while the war is going on.”
Donald Trump
Trump repeatedly said that if Iran doesn’t adhere to the MoU, he would resume attacks against the country.
“I let them know – I said, ‘Look, if you don’t adhere to the agreement, I don’t want to do that – but we’re going to bomb the hell out of you.’ And I don’t think that they’re going to veer from the agreement. What else am I going to do? Am I going to say I’m going to take you to court? ‘Let me take you to court, let me sue you.’
“No, we’re going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement. I don’t want them to. I want them to honour the agreement.”
Donald Trump
Additionally, Trump claimed that 84-85 percent of Iran’s missiles were “knocked out.” “The rest of them are underground, they can’t even get them out,” the US President said. He stated, “They don’t want to be firing missiles right now,” adding, “They’re going to have a hard time rebuilding.”
He said the two sides will “most likely sign a deal”, adding that the US’s allies – including those in the G7 – are “thrilled” about the pact.
Trump said that he believes Israeli leaders are “happy” with the agreement because it prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Amid widespread condemnation of the US-Iran deal in Israel, Trump disclosed that he told Benjamin Netanyahu that the agreement secures “the most important thing” the Israeli Prime Minister had been asking for – referring to Iran not having a nuclear weapon.
“I told Bibi: ‘Bibi, your biggest risk was that they’d drop a nuclear weapon into the middle of Israel. They’d only need one, and there’d be no more Israel. Think about it Bibi, you got the best – the most important thing you were asking for … So I think they’re happy.’
Donald Trump
He said earlier that he sent a copy of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding to the Israeli government.
Speaking of Israel’s continuing invasion and bombardment in Lebanon, Trump admitted, “They could do better with respect to Hezbollah.” “I’m not saying they shouldn’t protect themselves,” the President said, but added, “You don’t have to knock down buildings in Beirut. They could behave better.” Trump also praised Israel and Netanyahu for their partnership.
Trump Thanks Russia, China For Being Neutral
Moreover, Trump thanked Russia and China for being “neutral” during the conflict. “I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better,” Trump said, adding that China was “terrific” and made efforts to help settle the conflict.
Trump also thanked Qatar and Pakistan for their mediation efforts, adding that Gulf states would engage in a process to address “the non-nuclear issues,” including Iranian missiles and allied groups in the region.
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