Trump Welcomes UAE Exit from OPEC

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed the United Arab Emirates' decision to withdraw from OPEC, saying the move could help reduce oil and fuel prices.

"I think it's great", Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that the departure of one of the group's biggest producers could help "getting the price of gas down, getting oil down, getting everything down".

The UAE announced its decision to leave OPEC on Tuesday, dealing a significant blow to the group, which brings together major oil producers and seeks to coordinate production to influence market prices.

The decision comes amid an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by the war with Iran and has exposed growing tensions among Gulf states.

Trump has indicated that OPEC is facing internal problems and diverging national interests, and suggested that the UAE's departure could contribute to greater market competition and downward pressure on energy prices.

(reuters, lud)