US President Donald Trump complained Thursday that despite “we won the war,” the only country that has not celebrated the 80th anniversary of the alliance’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
He made a comment in his speech to the US troops stationed in Qatar. There, they are setting up their second stop as part of a 3-count, four-day tour in the Middle East.
Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar was a major staging venue during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It also supported the recent US air campaign against Iran-backed Hooti rebels in Yemen, but the strike itself came from two aircraft carriers in the region.
Speaking about the celebration of Victory Day in Europe, Trump said, “Everyone was celebrating anything but us, and we won the war.”
“They helped us, but without us they won’t win the war. We all speak German, you know that, right?”
Trump then picked out France. France is the country he said he “liked,” but added, “I think they did a little more to win the war than France did.”
“Now we love France, right? But I think we did a little more to win the war than France. Do you agree? I don’t want to be a smart guy, but when Hitler gave his speech at Eiffel Tower, I don’t think it was exactly ideal,” Trump said.
A visit to Qatar was extremely important to the Trump administration. President Trump appealed to Doha for help in dealing with Iran, particularly its nuclear program, at a state dinner hosted by Qatar Emil Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Trump’s Honor.
The 47th US President has repeatedly expressed his desire to sign a contract with Tehran for a rapidly moving forward nuclear program, hoping that the country will reduce its development.
For many years, Qatar has played a key role, including intermediary and its proxy between the US and Iran, including during negotiations with Hamas, supported by Tehran during the 19-month war with Israel.
“I hope I can help me in the Iranian situation,” Trump said in his formal dinner remarks. “It’s a dangerous situation and we want to do the right thing.”
The demand directed towards Qatar follows the leaders at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh on Wednesday, following a statement from President Trump, and condition Tehran ceases to stop support for Middle Eastern proxy groups as a prerequisite for a future agreement.
In 2015, under the Democratic Barack Obama administration, the US and Iran reached a nuclear agreement, with Iran pledging to significantly reduce its uranium stockpile and limit enrichment to up to 3.67%.
However, the agreement ended during President Trump’s inauguration deadline.
Currently, Iran has uranium enriched to a level of up to 60%, a small technical step away from the required threshold for weapon-grade materials. Tehran also has enough stockpiles to produce some nuclear weapons if it decides to pursue it.
Qatar Emir told broadcaster Fox News on Wednesday that he “confidently wants a nuclear-free region and cannot afford a nuclear race in that region.”
However, Al Thani said, “Iran has the right to a nuclear weapon — it has private nuclear power, but does not represent a challenge or threat to anyone in the region.” He said the issue needs to be resolved diplomatically.
Since the beginning of last month, Washington and Tehran have been involved in four rounds of discussions on the latter nuclear program. Trump has expressed his belief that reaching a deal is achievable, but warned that the time will soon run out.
During the state dinner, he urged Iranian leaders to take action quickly or face a direct conflict with a potential escalation of the situation.
“Because that’s what happens and they’re out of control,” the 47th president said. “I’ve seen it over and over again. They go to war and things get out of control. We won’t let it happen.”
Al Thani said he has high hopes for Trump’s efforts with Iran and ending the war with Gaza.
“I know you are a man of peace,” he said. “I know you want to bring peace to this region.”
