Asked by jonkarl if he thinks Saudis are responsible for defending themselves, Pres. Trump says, 'The Saudis are going to have a lot of involvement in this if we decide to do something...and that includes payment and they understand that fully.'
President Donald Trump on Monday offered markedly more restrained language about possible retaliation for a weekend attack on a Saudi oil facility -- compared to his Sunday tweets that the U.S. was"locked and loaded depending on verification" if and when the U.S. publicly announces Iran's culpability.
While Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has already blamed Iran directly, Trump said,"We're having some very strong studies done" before announcing a determination." "This is something much different than other presidents would mention, Jon, but the fact is that the Saudis are going to have a lot of involvement in this if we decide to do something," Trump said."They'll be very much involved. And that includes payment. And they understand that fully."
In terms of timing regarding potential U.S. retaliation, Trump assured reporters -- when asked what his message is for Iran -- that he's patient in terms of determining next steps. Without mentioning Trump, Pompeo or the U.S., the Saudi statement thanked the"Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its appreciation for the positions taken by the international community that have condemned and denounced this act. But instead of blaming Iran, the Saudis called for a U.N. investigation and pointedly said Saudi Arabia could defend itself.
Trump tweeted on Sunday that there was"reason to believe" the U.S. knows who committed the attack, saying the U.S. is"locked and loaded depending on verification."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump: US locked and loaded for response to attack on SaudisPres. Trump tweets that the U.S. is 'locked and loaded' for response after attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Read more »
White House blocks former top Trump aides from testifyingIn letters sent to the House Judiciary Committee, obtained exclusively by ABC News, White House counsel Pat Cipollone said former Staff Secretary Rob Porter and former Deputy Chief of Staff Rick Dearborn are immune from compelled congressional testimony.
Read more »
Harris: Trump White House choreographed 'sham' Kavanaugh hearingSenator Kamala Harris talks with Rachel Maddow about how the White House meddling in the investigation of accusations against Brett Kavanaugh has created a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court, and why she is calling for the impeachment of Kavanaugh.
Read more »
The Latest: Saudis say Iran arms likely used in oil attackDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Latest on tensions in the Persian Gulf and the fallout after weekend attack claimed by Iran-backed Yemeni rebels on major oil sites in Saudi Arabia (all...
Read more »
Evidence indicates Iranian arms used in Saudi attack, say SaudisThe Saudi-led military coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement said on M...
Read more »