Trump referred to the Iranian drones as “very good too and fast and deadly” while noting the stark disparity in price between Iranian drones and equivalent models from American companies.
US President Donald Trump commended Iranian drones for their cost savings and efficiency and blamed the US defense contractors’ exorbitant prices. Speaking at a recent media briefing, the US president highlighted the wide gap in price between drones produced in Iran and drones made by American contractors.
Comparing the drone manufacturing costs of Iran at $35,000 to $40,000 with quotes by US manufacturers for similar technology at $41 million, Trump stated, “I asked one of the companies I want lots and lots of drones… and in the case of Iran, they produce a good drone. And they make them for 35-40 thousand dollars.” So I tell this company, I want to see… They came in 2 weeks later with a drone that was worth 41 million. I told them, That’s not what I’m talking about.”
He also proposed a wider strategy, stating, “I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace.” While on his Gulf tour, the US president expressed increasing optimism that a possible nuclear deal with Iran could be reached without the use of military force. He stated, “We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran. I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this.” These comments are said to have caused global oil prices to fall.
Trump also disparaged the Iranian regime for mismanagement and corruption, blaming it for “turning green agricultural land into dry deserts.” The US president also portrayed Tehran’s backing of the collapsed regime of President Bashar al-Assad as a source of “misery and death” and regional destabilization.
Rebutting, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the president’s words “deceptive,” saying in a statement to state media on Friday that it was the US that blocked Iran with sanctions and military intimidation while supporting Israel and targeting Syria.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also shot at Trump on Saturday (May 17), with people shouting “Death to America.” The tone of those comments is so low that they are a shame to the person who made them and a shame to the American people,” he said.
