Key facts
- President Donald Trump stated he will ask European countries to repay Washington for military aid and munitions sent to Ukraine.
- Trump claimed the Biden administration gave away hundreds of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and NATO at no cost.
- Trump suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait' and asserted U.S. control.
- Iran accused the U.S. of a war crime following a reported strike on a wedding party.
- U.S. Central Command is investigating reports of civilian casualties from the strike.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on September 3 that he will ask European countries to repay Washington for ammunition and military aid previously sent to Ukraine under the Biden administration. Trump claimed that hundreds of billions of dollars were given to Ukraine and NATO free of charge, which Europe would have paid for if asked. He also lambasted media reports suggesting the U.S. military was running low on missile stocks due to the war against Iran, asserting the U.S. has ample ammunition. Trump has frequently criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine and NATO, at times exaggerating the amounts. Previously, he claimed Biden sent Zelensky $300 billion worth of ammunition, while Zelensky stated the total was around $100 billion. Trump has consistently argued that Europe should finance Ukraine's defense and has previously demanded repayment from Ukraine for U.S. aid, seeking rare earth and oil resources. The U.S. aid to Ukraine halted under the Trump administration, shifting the financial burden to European and NATO countries. In parallel, Trump stated that U.S. attacks on Iran are intended to protect Israel, the Middle East, and the Western world, and suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait,' asserting U.S. control. Iran accused the U.S. of a war crime following a reported strike on a wedding party that killed four and injured 68. U.S. Central Command is investigating the incident, stating the military does not target civilians.