Trump says Iran war could end soon

Washington, October 21 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that the war with Iran could end soon, predicting a sharp fall in global oil prices once the conflict concludes, even as he warned that Washington must ensure Tehran cannot rebuild its nuclear weapons capabilities in the coming years.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance, Trump defended the economic costs of the military campaign, saying higher petrol prices were a relatively small price to pay for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.The President also criticised European allies for declining to assist the United States during the conflict.Responding to a question about public dissatisfaction with the economy, Trump said the Iran conflict was the principal factor keeping energy prices elevated."As soon as the war is over, it's going to end very soon the Iran war," Trump said."Oil is going to drop like a rock and that's the only thing holding it back," he added.The President did not provide a timetable for ending the conflict or explain what military or diplomatic developments could lead to its conclusion.His prediction about oil prices was not supported by a detailed assessment of global supply conditions.The remarks carry particular significance for energy-importing economies, including India, which are vulnerable to fluctuations in international crude prices and disruptions to shipping through the Persian Gulf.Trump defended the administration's military campaign against Iran, arguing that Washington had no alternative because of the threat posed by Tehran's nuclear programme."You can't let them have it," he said, referring to nuclear weapons.He described Iran as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism.The President acknowledged public concern about higher fuel prices but said the economic burden was justified."It's a big price, but actually it's a small price to pay for not letting Iran have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.He claimed that American military operations had severely damaged Iran's nuclear facilities, including installations buried beneath substantial layers of rock.However, Trump said the administration wanted assurances that Tehran would not be able to restore its capabilities several years later."We could leave right now, and we would have done a good job, a great job," he said."But it's not good enough for me. We have to make sure it doesn't happen in five years, six years, ten years."Earlier in the same Oval Office interaction, Trump said the United States was making progress against Iran but had not decided how to conclude the campaign."We just have to make a final decision of which way do we want to win? Do we want to win the nice way or the not nice way?" he said.Trump also disclosed that he had contacted several European leaders to ask whether their countries would help the United States.He said the responses were negative."But I was testing them. I just called individual presidents and prime ministers to ask would they like to help us? And they said no," Trump said.The President criticised the refusal, arguing that the United States spent substantial sums supporting European security through NATO."We spend hundreds of billions a year on NATO and they said, no," he said.He did not identify the leaders contacted, specify the assistance requested or explain whether the discussions concerned military operations, logistics or other forms of support.The comments reflected continuing differences between Washington and European governments over the scope of military involvement in the Middle East.Trump also warned that Europe's internal political and immigration challenges were weakening the continent, although those remarks were made in response to separate questions about unrest in France.The Iran conflict has heightened international concerns about energy security, regional stability and the safety of commercial shipping. The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is a major route for oil and gas exports to Asian markets.