The president also said Gulf states should invest in the United States rather than impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "they fired the first shot."
President Donald Trump said the United States would provide support if Iraq requests protection, while also arguing against any transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping chokepoint. He said he had heard from several countries that want to invest in the U.S. instead of imposing such fees, and said investment by Gulf states would be a better option. Commenting on the recent rise in tensions, Trump added: "They fired the first shot, and that was a big mistake." Walter Bloomberg reported the remarks on July 14.