Former US President Donald Trump has attracted attention for hailing the value and potency of Iranian drones while criticizing harshly American defense contractors for charging astronomical prices.
At a press conference, Trump pointed out the price difference, saying, “I asked one of the companies I want a lot of drones… and in the case of Iran, they make a good drone. And it makes them for 35-40 thousand dollars. So I tell this company, I wanna see… they came back 2 weeks later with a drone that was 41 million. I said that’s not what I’m talking about.” He also referred to Iranian drones “very good too and fast and deadly.”
Potential Trade with Iran
In a separate interview, Trump expressed a willingness to consider trade with Iran, on the condition that the country abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Iran wants to trade with us… and I’m OK with that,” he said, while adding, “We make a deal, they’ll be very happy. But… they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump expressed hope while touring the Gulf region that he could finalize a nuclear agreement with Iran without the use of military action. Trump said, “We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran. I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this.” His comments were said to have caused the global oil price to fall.
Trump also suggested that trade was part of a broader diplomatic approach. “I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace,” he explained, indicating that economic deals could pave the way for diplomatic breakthroughs.
