Dublin (Web Desk/Agencies): US President Donald Trump has said that Iran was likely behind an aerial strike on Saudi Arabia that forced the closure of the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline, a crucial route that allows Saudi Arabia to transport crude exports without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
"I think they are, probably they are," Trump told reporters in Dublin when asked if Iran was responsible for the attack on the vital oil conduit.
Trump also revealed that he had spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he referred to as a "good friend."
The US president further said that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis had contacted his administration and conveyed that they did not want Washington to become directly involved in the ongoing conflict.
"They would much prefer not having us involved, and they're letting most ships go through," Trump added.
Trump made the comments after holding talks in Dublin with his Irish counterpart Catherine Connolly during a weekend trip that has also included his interest in a major golf tournament being held at a course he owns along Ireland’s Atlantic coast.
During the visit, Trump also held a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Before heading to his oceanfront golf club in Doonbeg, located on the opposite side of the country, to watch the Irish Open, Trump met US and Irish business leaders at the US ambassador’s official residence in Dublin.
The Irish president welcomed Trump at the end of a red carpet outside her official residence.
The two leaders shook hands and spoke briefly before entering the building. Trump came back outside a few minutes later, saluted as an Irish Defence Forces band performed the US national anthem, and reviewed an Irish Army honour guard.
Connolly later joined Trump outside and introduced the US and Irish delegations before both leaders returned indoors for private discussions.
Trump’s trip has once again highlighted the way his official presidential responsibilities have overlapped with his personal interests.
Meanwhile, a coalition comprising left-leaning opposition groups, anti-military organisations, pro-Palestinian activists, environmental campaigners and others was preparing to stage demonstrations against Trump in Dublin on Saturday.