President Donald Trump pledged not to deploy U.S. troops on the ground in the Middle East, despite speculation he may need to order a special mission to secure Iran’s enriched uranium almost three weeks into the war.
“No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” Trump said Thursday at the White House. “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not putting troops.”
Trump was also asked why the Pentagon is requesting $200 billion from Congress for the war if he expects Operation Epic Fury to achieve its mission, in his own words, “soon.”
“Well, we’re asking for a lot. Our reasons beyond even what we’re talking about in Iran. This is a very volatile world,” he said.
Trump was pressed on the war before his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office.
“We have a very special person, just won a tremendous election,” he said. “She’s a great woman. We have a very fine relationship, and we’re going to be talking about trade and many other things.”
Trump similarly indicated the pair would discuss what Japan and other allies can do to help the United States with the Iran war, particularly the crisis that is unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian attacks on ships carrying everything from oil to fertilizer stopping the flow of goods from the Persian Gulf through the critical waterway to the open ocean.
“We’ve had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything, and I believe that based on statements that were given to us yesterday … having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate, yes,” he said.
TRUMP FIXATES ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS HE EYES OFF-RAMP FOR IRAN WAR
Takaichi has previously underscored constitutional constraints on what Japan can do to assist the U.S., a remnant from World War II, but on Thursday agreed to sign a joint statement with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands about the Strait of Hormuz.
“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the five countries wrote. “We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”