In a recent exchange with the press, President Donald Trump conveyed a grave warning to reporters on Friday, highlighting the perils that could arise from the United States' growing conflict with Iran over its nuclear program. The tension-filled briefing occurred as Trump was in New Jersey, answering questions on a range of issues, including the safety of journalists in light of possible military action against Tehran.
Earlier in the week, Trump had set a pressing deadline for Iran's leaders, giving them a mere couple of weeks to negotiate an agreement with Israel and the U.S. regarding their nuclear ambitions. While Tehran maintains that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, both the U.S. and Israel have expressed their doubts. Israel has escalated attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, targeting key military figures and nuclear scientists involved in the program.
During the press conference, a reporter inquired if Trump harbored concerns about Iranian proxies retaliating with terrorist attacks on American targets abroad. Trump acknowledged the threat, stating, "We're always concerned about that, and we have to take them out and be very strong." His subsequent comments to the press were chilling, as he implied that even the act of conversing with him could put them in jeopardy, urging a swift exit from the conversation for safety reasons.
The conversation with reporters also touched on NATO defense spending. Trump reiterated his stance that NATO allies should invest 5% of their GDP on defense, criticizing countries like Spain and Canada for falling short and depending on the U.S. for security.
Questions then shifted towards Ukraine, where former Senator Lindsey Graham and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were reportedly encouraging Ukrainian forces to persist in combat. Trump urged caution in statements made to avoid further complications.
Mike Pompeo had previously highlighted the global threat posed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the activities of Hezbollah, both of which operate terror cells worldwide, including within the U.S.
Despite these international tensions, Trump's approval ratings appear unaffected. A recent Napolitan News Survey indicated that 53% of registered voters approve of his performance, a slight increase from two weeks prior, with his disapproval rating stable at 46%. Voters seemed more concerned with domestic issues like the economy and immigration rather than war or international conflicts.
When pressed about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's refusal to cease Iran's nuclear program, Trump's response was terse yet telling: “I say good luck.” This statement, paired with the escalating regional conflict and Israel's continued actions against Iran, suggests that the U.S. might be bracing for a potential military confrontation if diplomatic efforts fall through.
