US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a proposal to urge Arab nations to contribute financially to efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran, the White House announced Monday. This development comes even as diplomatic channels with Tehran appear to remain open. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted Trump’s interest in the notion but did not confirm any immediate actions. “I think it’s something the President would be quite interested in calling them to do,” Leavitt said, as reported by Reuters. “It’s an idea that I know that he has, and something that I think you’ll hear more from him on.”
Leavitt also suggested that there may be a discrepancy between the public statements of Iranian officials and their private communications, indicating some degree of willingness to negotiate. “Despite all of the public posturing from the regime and false reporting, talks are continuing and going well,” she noted. “What is said publicly is, of course, much different than what’s being communicated to us privately.”
Earlier, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning that its energy infrastructure, including oil facilities and desalination plants, could face significant repercussions if it does not swiftly move towards a negotiated agreement. This warning follows Iran’s dismissal of US peace proposals as “unrealistic” and its recent missile strikes against Israel.
In a related development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the removal of US forces from Saudi Arabia, framing his remarks in a tone of reconciliation. “Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation,” Araghchi stated on the social media platform X. He added, “Our operations are aimed at enemy aggressors who have no respect for Arabs or Iranians, nor can provide any security… It’s high time to eject U.S. forces.”
Additionally, Trump confirmed that the US is in touch with Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. In an interview with the New York Post, Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, denied any direct negotiations with Washington, stating that talks allegedly facilitated by Pakistan were merely a cover for US troop movements.
On the ground, the regional conflict continues to escalate. Israel has launched operations in southern Lebanon aimed at pushing back Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters, who have been targeting Israel with rockets and drones. Israeli officials have indicated that the military operation may lead to a prolonged presence in the area. In related reports, three UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period, though it remains unclear which faction was responsible for the attack.
With tensions rising and diplomatic efforts unfolding, the situation remains precarious as both sides navigate the complexities of regional power dynamics and international relations.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/trump-eyes-arab-nations-to-fund-iran-war-amid-peace-talks-with-tehran/articleshow/129910962.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-31 03:52:00
