United States President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about the financial impact of the ongoing conflict with Iran on American citizens, stating his primary focus was preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Speaking before departing for a diplomatic trip to China, Trump was asked if the economic burden of the war influenced his decisions regarding Iran. He responded firmly that domestic financial concerns were not a factor in his approach.
“Not even a little bit,” Trump said when questioned about whether Americans' economic situation mattered in shaping his Iran policy. He further emphasised that national security considerations outweighed economic concerns, adding the only objective guiding his policy was ensuring Iran did not develop nuclear weapons.
“The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran- they can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about the Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing,” Trump said, as reported by media outlets.
The US President also noted the stock market was at a record high. He said national security mattered more than stock market fluctuations and believed most Americans supported this approach.
The comments come amid increasing political debate in Washington over the economic consequences of the prolonged conflict, including inflationary pressures and increasing energy costs.
The US President's focus on security over the economy was highlighted during a tense hearing in Congress, where Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the government's plan in front of lawmakers.
Testifying alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine and Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III, Hegseth faced scrutiny over the administration's $1.5 trillion 2027 defence budget request. Key points of the legislative pushback included questions about the escalating $29 billion cost of the conflict and how it fits into long-term fiscal planning.
Concerns were raised regarding the significant "drain" on U.S. weapons stockpiles, which could impact military readiness in other global theatres.
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