President Trump voiced confidence that the six-month conflict with Iran could be brought to an end, arguing that Tehran had been weakened and predicting the situation would ultimately work out “fine and dandy.”
Trump delivered the remarks in Dublin while meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the beginning of his visit to Ireland.
The president said Iran was likely behind the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline. Saudi officials shut the route on Friday after a series of drone strikes reportedly launched from Iraq, where Iran has considerable influence.
“I think they are, probably they are. They are on the balls of their feet right now,” Trump said when asked about Iran.
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Trump also struck a more accommodating tone toward the Houthis, who recently took control of Perim Island, strategically positioned off Yemen at the entrance to the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.
“We have had discussions, the Houthis called us and they don’t want to fight with us,” Trump told reporters. “They don’t want us to go after them and would much prefer not having us involved and they’re letting most ships go through, it’s just one country they’re not too happy with. And we’ll get that straightened out.”
Later Saturday, Trump was scheduled to head to his Doonbeg golf resort in County Clare, where he is attending the Irish Open.