Trump Hints at Military Intervention but "Hopes for Agreement with Iran"

"We Can Reach an Agreement with Cuba"

As speculation grows that a U.S. military operation against Iran may be imminent, President Donald Trump has stated that he does not rule out the possibility of military intervention, while also expressing hope for reaching an agreement with Iran.

On the 1st (local time), President Trump, speaking at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, was asked about the comments made by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He responded, "Why wouldn't he say that? He has no choice but to say that," making these remarks.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On the same day, Supreme Leader Khamenei characterized the recent anti-government protests in Iran as a coup and issued a warning to the United States, which had hinted at possible military intervention. He also addressed the recent U.S. pressure campaign, which included demands to resume nuclear negotiations and the deployment of key military assets such as aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East, saying, "The Iranian people need not fear these actions," and added, "If the United States starts a war, they must realize this time it will become a regional conflict."

President Trump went on to say, "We have deployed the largest and most powerful warships in the world there," and added, "If we do not reach an agreement, we will see whether Khamenei's words were correct or not."

This statement is interpreted as prioritizing dialogue with Iran while not ruling out the possibility of military action. The previous day, President Trump had said the U.S. was "engaged in serious talks" with Iran, but did not specify whether a decision had been made regarding military intervention against the Iranian regime.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with CNN that "if war breaks out, it will be disastrous for everyone," and added that an agreement between the two countries could be reached if the United States promises a "fair and equitable" deal.

According to AFP on the same day, Iranian authorities unexpectedly released a man who had been scheduled for execution for participating in anti-government protests, granting him bail.

Regarding Cuba, President Trump stated, "We are talking with Cuba's top officials and monitoring the situation," and added, "I believe we can reach an agreement with Cuba." However, he did not specify the details of any potential agreement.

Recently, President Trump has declared a national emergency, claiming that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. national security, and has increased pressure by signing an executive order imposing tariffs on countries trading oil with Cuba.

On this day, President Trump visited Mar-a-Lago to attend the wedding of Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, and Erin Elmore, Director of Art in Embassies at the State Department.