Trump backs trade corridor to bypass Iranian checkpoints

UPDATE - follow-up to Donald Trump voices strong support for India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor: United States President Donald Trump stated that his administration strongly backs the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, pointing to recent attacks by Iran on commercial shipping as proof that energy infrastructure must move away from Iranian checkpoints. Mr. Trump shared these views during a multilateral meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with the Gulf Cooperation Council at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He noted that moving oil out through pipelines and other methods as part of the corridor helps the region overcome long-standing challenges. The original multinational connectivity project was first launched on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi to improve trade and infrastructure spanning South Asia, West Asia, and Europe.