Sri Lanka, April 21 -- US President Donald Trump has suggested that he may offer financial assistance - or a currency swap - with Gulf countries he believes have proven to be reliable allies with the war in Iran.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Emirati officials have opened talks with the US about a "backstop" in case the Iran war deepens an economic crisis in the country.

During the CNBC interview, Trump specifically said that a currency swap with the UAE is "under consideration".

"It's been a good ally of ours," he said. "These are unusual times."

US President Trump subtly acknowledged, however, that there could be a domestic backlash against a financial lifeline for a wealthy country.

"I'm surprised," he s...