Trump’s Davos statement, claiming peace in Gaza, a message to Iran
Washington: US President Donald Trump said the Middle East has become more stable after talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Davos.
He pointed to progress on Gaza, continued pressure on Iran, and growing interest in his proposed Board of Peace.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday (local time), Trump praised Egypt’s role in regional diplomacy. “Egypt has been very good,” he said.
Trump said the talks covered Gaza, regional security, and the dispute over a massive dam on the Nile River in Ethiopia.
He described the dam as “one of the largest anywhere in the world.” He said it “basically blocks the Nile River” and called it “a very big problem.”
“They built a dam where nobody is getting the water they should be getting,” Trump said. He further stated that Egypt had been dependent on the Nile River for “a million years.”
Trump said he would try to bring the leaders of Egypt and Ethiopia together. He said the issue had become “a dangerous thing” and needed to be resolved.
Speaking of Gaza, Trump reiterated his claim that US involvement was essential. He said, “If we weren’t involved, there would be no peace.” He further stated that now “there is peace to be had as a part of the Middle East.”
He acknowledged the threats that still persist. Trump said, “You might have Hamas. We have a little fire here and there.” He warned that armed groups should lay down their arms. He said, “If they don’t put down their guns, they’ll be very unhappy.”
Trump also cited Hezbollah in Lebanon as a concern, calling it a secondary priority to greater stability. He said, “Actually, peace in the Middle East.” “This is amazing. No one thought we’d ever see this.”
Trump’s remarks throughout the day focused heavily on Iran. He reiterated that US military action had prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He said, “If we hadn’t bombed Iran’s nuclear plant, they would have had a nuclear weapon within two months.”
Trump stated that sanctions and penalties on Iran would remain in place. He left open the possibility of further action if Iran resumed nuclear activity.
The president also promoted his proposed Board of Peace, calling it a new forum to secure a ceasefire and prevent major conflict. “We have a lot of good people who want to join,” Trump said. He called it “the most prestigious board ever.”
He noted that some countries would need parliamentary approval. He added, “For the most part, everyone wants to join.”
When asked separately about Greenland, Trump downplayed the possibility of coercion. He said military action was not being considered. “I don’t think it would be necessary,” he said.
Trump’s focus on Middle East stability also holds significance for India. New Delhi relies heavily on energy imports from the region. Decreasing tensions in Gaza and pressure on Iran would reduce risks to oil markets and shipping routes vital to India’s economy.
