Trump Backs India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, Calls For Energy Routes To Bypass Iran

US President Donald Trump has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying the ongoing conflict in the region has highlighted the need for alternative routes to transport energy without relying on infrastructure linked to Iran.

Addressing a gathering of Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said attacks targeting commercial shipping had demonstrated the risks facing existing energy networks in the Middle East. “…Iran’s terrorist attacks on commercial shipping in neighboring countries have shown the need to shift Middle East energy infrastructure away from the Iranian checkpoints. That’s why my administration strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and other places in the form of getting oil out, whether it’s pipelines or anything else,” Trump said.

Trump Backs IMEC

Trump’s endorsement comes as the conflict has disrupted established shipping and energy routes in the region. He said the situation had made it increasingly important to develop infrastructure capable of moving energy through alternative pathways.

The US president also presented the current moment as an opportunity for wider regional cooperation, arguing that long-standing challenges could be addressed through closer coordination among countries in the region. “Together, we’re on the verge of overcoming challenges that have plagued this region for decades…” he said.

Advancing efforts for a safer, more prosperous Middle East.

The Gulf Cooperation Council meets in New York City. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wInPPW1Nrh

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2026

ALSO READ: ‘I Stopped India-Pakistan War’: Trump Repeats Claim At UNGA, Says Shehbaz Thanked Him

Trump also described the leaders attending the gathering as important partners in Washington’s efforts to pursue greater stability and economic prosperity across the Middle East. He said, “It is an honor to be here with some of America’s greatest and closest friends, allies, and partners to continue our effort toward a safer and more prosperous Middle East.”

Hormuz Disruption

The push for alternative energy routes comes amid disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important passages for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The conflict, which began after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has led to a significant decline in vessel movement through the waterway. The disruption has prompted Gulf oil producers and international buyers to explore alternative options for transporting energy.

Around 20 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day in 2025. The waterway also handled nearly one-fifth of global LNG trade, making it a critical link in international energy supply chains.

Any prolonged disruption to the route can therefore affect the movement of energy and create wider implications for global markets and prices.

ALSO READ: National Herald Case: Sonia-Rahul File Reply In Delhi HC, Oppose ED’s Plea

How IMEC Works

IMEC was unveiled during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi as a major connectivity initiative linking India, the Middle East and Europe.

The proposed corridor consists of two principal routes. The Eastern Corridor is planned to connect Indian ports, including Mundra and Kandla, with major Gulf ports such as Fujairah and Jebel Ali.

From the Gulf, the Northern Corridor would run across Saudi Arabia and Jordan before reaching Israel’s Haifa Port. From there, the network is intended to connect with European destinations, including Piraeus and Marseille.

The broader project envisages a combination of maritime shipping routes, rail and road connectivity, as well as energy and digital infrastructure. 

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: abplive.com