US President Donald Trump has played down the financial burden of the war with Iran, claiming that income from large-scale shipments of Venezuelan crude oil has fully offset the cost of the conflict. Speaking to reporters, he said Washington is in no hurry to bring the war to a close, remarks that carry added weight as signals emerge that Tehran could face fresh strikes. Trump, however, did not disclose how much revenue the Venezuelan oil had actually generated.
The war’s financial toll, meanwhile, is estimated to be considerable. According to estimates, the conflict has cost the United States roughly 47 billion dollars so far. Trump’s assertion that the expenses have been fully recovered therefore remains unverified, in the absence of any figures to back the claim.
Trump also asserted that Iran is keen on negotiations with the United States, attributing its eagerness to mounting internal troubles. He claimed Tehran has reached a point where it is unable to pay salaries even to its soldiers and police, suggesting that economic pressure is pushing the country towards the negotiating table.
Amid these statements, an interim draft framework for US-Iran talks has reportedly been prepared. Its proposals include moving Iran’s uranium stockpile to a third country or reducing its radioactivity. The draft also stipulates that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, be fully reopened within seven days of an agreement being reached.
Under the proposals, if Iran takes steps on its nuclear programme and maritime security, the United States would in return ease the sanctions and blockades imposed on Tehran. China is reportedly set to act as a guarantor to ensure the deal is implemented, while the talks are expected to be held in Qatar. Whether the negotiations materialise, and how they square with Trump’s hardline posture, remains to be seen.