US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, calling for a shift in the region's energy infrastructure
away from Iranian checkpoints amid escalating tensions and attacks on commercial shipping. Addressing GCC and Arab leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump said the attacks had highlighted the need for alternative energy routes and reaffirmed his administration’s support for IMEC and other infrastructure projects, including pipelines, to facilitate the movement of oil. "...Iran's terrorist attacks on commercial shipping in neighboring countries have shown the need to shift Middle East energy infrastructure away from the Iranian checkpoints. That's why my administration strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and other places in the form of getting oil out, whether it's pipelines or anything else," Trump said. He said the region was close to overcoming longstanding challenges."Together, we're on the verge of overcoming challenges that have plagued this region for decades..." he said. Trump also described the leaders attending the meeting as some of the United States' closest allies and partners and said their efforts were aimed at making the Middle East safer and more prosperous. "It's an honor to be here with some of America's greatest and closest friends, allies, and partners to continue our effort toward a safer and more prosperous Middle East," he said.
What is the IMEC?
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), unveiled in 2023, comprises an Eastern Corridor connecting India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network, as well as road transport routes.
Further, echoing his earlier remarks at the UN General Assembly, the US President once again warned Iran of annihilation.
“We've isolated Iran financially and hopefully they'll do the right thing fast… There will be a time when it's too late, and we won't have the chance of letting them survive as a nation. I would like to see that, and I can tell you that people around this table would like to see it,” he added.
(With agency inputs)
