22.04.2026 06:40
US President Donald Trump made statements regarding the Iran tension during a CNBC broadcast. Claiming that the Iranian-flagged ship seized by the US was a 'gift' from China, Trump said there were elements on the ship that they were uncomfortable with and expressed his surprise, stating that he thought he had an agreement with Xi Jinping. Arguing that NATO did not provide support, Trump emphasized that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar were more helpful to the US.
US President Donald Trump evaluated the latest situation regarding Iran by calling into the Squawk Box program broadcast on CNBC.
'A GIFT FROM CHINA TO IRAN'
Trump claimed on Sunday that the Iranian-flagged ship named "TOUSKA," which US forces seized, violated the blockade and that the ship was a "gift" from China to Iran.
Explaining that there were things they were not pleased with about the ship and expressing his discomfort, Trump said, "I was a bit surprised because I thought we had an agreement with President Xi (Jinping)."
OUR ALLIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE BETTER THAN NATO
US President Trump stated that during the tension process with Iran, NATO countries did not help them, but Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar provided much more support.
Making the assessment that "They (the US allies in the Middle East) are much better countries than NATO," Trump noted that especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been very helpful to the US both in the Strait of Hormuz and on other issues.
Trump commented, "It was NATO that didn't help us; we didn't need them anyway, they needed us because they (NATO) are a paper tiger. I've been saying this for a long time."
Pointing out that they could sign a swap agreement with the UAE if necessary, Trump said, "If the UAE had a problem, I would be by their side."