Overview
- President Donald Trump spoke to reporters Monday after signing an executive order and said Iran’s navy and air force were gone, its leaders dead, and its economy was "shot," arguing Tehran cannot wield economic leverage over the United States.
- Trump told a reporter that striking Iran or creating economic mayhem "is an option" and warned that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran outweighs the risk of major economic fallout.
- When asked whether his readiness to inflict economic pain gives Iran bargaining power, Trump called the question "so stupid" and publicly criticized coverage by The New York Times.
- Multiple outlets report that diplomatic talks to address Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing and that Vice President J.D. Vance is leading the negotiations.
- The president’s stance could raise stakes for global oil markets and the talks by signaling a willingness to use force, and outlets across the political spectrum have framed his remarks differently.