Press Conference at Trump Tower in New York
On the 26th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to reach a new agreement with Iran regarding the nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), which he had previously abandoned during his tenure. Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom he is scheduled to meet the next day, Trump distanced himself by saying they have differing opinions.
At a press conference held at Trump Tower in New York City that day, President Trump was asked whether he would negotiate with Iran to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. He replied, "Of course I would," adding, "We have to make a deal," and explained, "(Otherwise) the consequences would be (unbearable)."
Politico noted that this statement is highly noteworthy considering Trump's historically hostile stance toward Iran during his administration and throughout his election campaign. During his presidency in 2017, Trump disparaged the Iran nuclear deal as "the worst deal ever made" and unilaterally withdrew from it. Subsequently, sanctions against Iran were reinstated. In response, Iran resumed uranium enrichment necessary for nuclear weapons development. Politico pointed out that this poses a threat that could escalate tensions and trigger an arms race in the already unstable Middle East.
Accordingly, Trump's remarks on this day have been interpreted as aiming to ease tensions with the Iranian government. Earlier, the Trump camp had revealed that they received reports from U.S. intelligence agencies regarding assassination threats from Iran.
Trump also stated that if he had won the 2020 presidential election, he would have negotiated with Iran within a week. He claimed, "Iran would have made a deal with us," adding, "It would have been a great deal for them. The only point is that they cannot have nuclear weapons."
Additionally, Trump confirmed that he would meet with President Zelenskyy, who is visiting the U.S. to attend the United Nations General Assembly, the following day. He said, "I will meet him tomorrow (the 27th) at 9:45 a.m. at Trump Tower," and commented, "What is happening in Ukraine is shameful. There are too many deaths and destruction. It is terrible."
However, Trump appeared to distance himself from Zelenskyy, seemingly anticipating that the Ukrainian president would request continued U.S. support. He said, "I disagree with him," and claimed, "I could make Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) and Zelenskyy reach an agreement quickly." When asked if this peace plan meant Ukraine's surrender, he replied, "I don't think it's surrender," adding, "I want to save lives."
Nonetheless, Trump did not elaborate on how he would end the war in Ukraine. Instead, he reiterated his past claim that if he had been president, Putin would never have invaded Ukraine. Trump confirmed that the meeting was arranged at Zelenskyy's request. Previously, Trump had disparaged Zelenskyy as "the greatest salesman on Earth" and criticized European countries for spending relatively less money on the Ukraine war compared to the U.S. Prior to the scheduled meeting with Trump, President Zelenskyy also met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
On the same day, Trump continued his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate. Referring to Harris's planned visit to the southern border the next day, Trump criticized, "For almost four years, we have experienced the worst border crisis in world history." He also questioned Harris's proposed border policies, saying, "The question should be why she didn't do that four years ago," and claimed, "She has neither the plan, talent, nor ability to solve the problem."
Vice President Harris is scheduled to visit Douglas, Arizona, near the Mexico border on the 27th to announce her stance on the border issue, one of the key topics in this election. At this event, Harris is expected to emphasize her commitment to solving the problem by referencing her experience cracking down on criminal organizations in border areas during her tenure as California Attorney General. Additionally, she is expected to criticize Trump for pressuring Republican lawmakers to block the passage of a border security enhancement bill introduced in Congress this year. In response, Trump claimed, "What she says tomorrow is a fraud."
The border issue is considered one of the major topics in the upcoming November election. Especially since recent major polls show Harris narrowing the gap with Trump on another key issue, the economy, local media suggest that the border issue could become even more significant for Trump.
Furthermore, Trump commented on climate change, saying, "They (the Democrats) no longer say anything about the environment," adding, "What they should be talking about is the nuclear issue. We are very close to World War III." When asked at the end of the press conference whether he would withdraw support for Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina who recently sparked controversy with his 'Black Nazi' remarks, Trump replied, "I don't know much about the situation."
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