White House: Trump interested in Arab support for war costs

US President Donald Trump is open to the idea of asking Arab countries to help cover the costs of the war with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on March 30, noting that the president is likely to speak further on the issue.

Speaking to reporters at a news briefing, Leavitt was asked whether Arab states might contribute financially to the conflict. She said she did not want to get ahead of the president but confirmed the idea had been considered.

"I think it's something the President would be quite interested in calling them to do," Leavitt said.

"It's an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him on."

Leavitt also said that talks between Washington and Tehran are ongoing and showing progress, despite stark differences between Iran’s public statements and its private communications with US officials. According to her, Iran has privately agreed to some of Washington’s positions.

"Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the regime and false reporting, talks are continuing and going well. What is said publicly is, of course, much different than what's being communicated to us privately," she said.

She cautioned that any private assurances from Tehran would be closely scrutinized, adding that the United States would ensure Iran is held accountable for its commitments.

Earlier on March 30, Trump warned that Iran’s energy infrastructure, including oil facilities, would be “obliterated” if Tehran refused to open the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came after Iran described US peace proposals as “unrealistic” and launched waves of missile attacks against Israel.

According to the Iran War Cost Ticker, US spending on the military operation against Iran has already exceeded $35 billion.

By Tamilla Hasanova