US President Trump Invites Pastors to Pray in Oval Office as Iran Conflict Escalates

Gulf States could Review Foreign Investments to Ease Budget Strain

WASHINGTON: A visibly shaken U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly summoned a group of pastors from across the country to the Oval Office for a special prayer session, following mounting tensions after the controversial U.S. military assault on Iran.

The United States appears increasingly entangled in the escalating Iran conflict. Media reports suggest that major Gulf states — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar — are reviewing their financial commitments and contracts abroad especially with the United States. They want to rethink future investment commitments abroad to alleviate some of the economic strain imposed upon them by the Iran war.

The operation, which Trump and his advisers had allegedly portrayed as a swift “in-and-out” strike similar to past interventions such as Venezuela, has instead faced unexpected resistance from the resilient Iranian nation.

In a video circulating online, he is seen seated in his designated spot, surrounded by the pastors. A man leads a prayer for the protection of the military and for the president to have the strength to guide the nation. The session comes amid ongoing US-Israeli tensions with Iran, which have heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Margo Marti, Communications Advisor, posted a video of the Trump-hosted prayer session on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, the President is seen sitting at his designated desk at the Oval Office, surrounded by a group of pastors. Everyone around laid one of their hands on the president to impart blessings through the prayer. A man leads the proceedings, as the other members nod and echo similar sentiments.

He utters, “I pray for your grace and your protection over him. I pray for your grace and your protection over our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces. And father we just pray you continue to give our President the strength that he needs to lead our nation as we come back to one nation under God.”

Gulf states control some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, and Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar last year pledged to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States following a regional visit by Donald Trump.

Gulf states control some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, and Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar last year pledged to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States following a regional visit by Donald Trump.

Any move affecting investments in the US or other Western countries could increase pressure on Trump to pursue diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

The oil-rich Gulf states have been pulled deeper into the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran, with Tehran launching retaliatory attacks against Washington’s regional allies.