Trump heaps reward on Middle East allies, slams NATO at Saudi funding summit

President Trump heaped praise on U.S. allies in the Middle East, saying they’ve been “very helpful” in the war against Iran, drawing a stark contrast with the NATO alliance, which he blasted as a disappointment.

The president’s remarks Friday were part of his keynote address to a major Saudi Arabian-backed investment conference in Miami that brings together global business leaders, policymakers and investors.

The war in Iran hung heavily over the Future Investment Initiative, a three-day gathering. Mr. Trump largely addressed the conflict in his remarks, which was expected to focus on the economy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly has been urging Mr. Trump to continue the Iran war, seeing it as a historic opportunity to remake the Middle East. Saudi officials have denied that the prince has pushed to extend the war, while the White House said they wouldn’t discuss Mr. Trump’s private conversations.

Mr. Trump used the venue to thank Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern allies for their support against Iran, while continuing to bash NATO, which has steered clear of the conflict.

“I want to thank the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — been very helpful,” Mr. Trump said. “Unlike NATO, Saudi Arabia fought, UAE fought, Bahrain fought and Kuwait, fought.”

Mr. Trump said, “Bahrain and Kuwait, they were stand-up, more so than NATO. Very disappointed with NATO, but I wasn’t disappointed with our allies in the Middle East and others.”

The president did jab lightheartedly at Kuwait for mistakenly shooting down three U.S. F-15E fighter jets in a friendly fire incident during combat operations against Iran. All six crew members successfully ejected and were recovered in stable conditions. The incident is under investigation.

“Kuwait fought, even though they shot down three of our planes with the finest missiles. We could have done without that. They didn’t know they were our planes. They wasted three great Patriot missiles,” he said.

He said the efforts of the Gulf countries contradict the NATO allies, which have repeatedly rebuffed Mr. Trump’s efforts to build an international coalition to police the Strait of Hormuz and assist with military operations against Iran.

“NATO is a paper tiger. And I always said we help NATO, but they never help us,” Mr. Trump. “And if the big one ever happened and I don’t think it will, but if the big one ever happened, I guarantee you they wouldn’t be there.”

Mr. Trump’s appearance marks the second consecutive year addressing the FII summit, which was expected to draw more than 1,500 participants. The theme of this conference is “Capital in Motion” and focuses on shifting global investment trends, including energy markets.