Trump Signals Potential End to Iran Conflict, Defends Hegseth, and Discusses Nvidia CEO

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that additional military action against Iran does not appear necessary at this time, suggesting the conflict could conclude soon. Speaking during an unscheduled press briefing at the White House, Trump noted that American forces remain prepared to resume major operations if conditions change, but emphasized that the current military pressure is being maintained partly at the request of neighboring countries. He expressed confidence that the region is protected from Iranian threats and that there is significant momentum toward a resolution.

The President asserted that the military campaign has achieved its primary objectives, describing Iran as militarily effective over. He explained that the administration is focused on securing a lasting outcome rather than a short-term fix. Trump highlighted that American allies in the region are significantly safer than they were six months prior due to the decapitation of Iran's leadership. He maintained that while the war is ending quickly, Washington intends to ensure the security of its partners before fully withdrawing pressure.

Trump indicated that diplomatic contacts with Tehran are ongoing, claiming that Iranian officials are communicating politely. He cited severe economic and military difficulties in Iran, including an inflation rate of 301 percent and a lack of payment for military personnel. The President stated that 158 Iranian ships are underwater and 268 aircraft are scattered across runways, arguing that the Iranian military is essentially gone, with approximately 85 percent of its capabilities destroyed. He did not provide independent evidence for these specific figures during the briefing.

The administration's strategy involves maintaining pressure through a naval blockade and a newly launched initiative called Task Force Iron Gate, which aims to restrict Iranian supply routes over land. Trump emphasized the scale of American military preparations, noting that three aircraft carriers are deployed in or arriving in the Middle East. He also mentioned increased production of military equipment, including Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Despite acknowledging that lower energy costs are currently a political advantage for opponents, Trump argued that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons justifies the campaign.

The President also addressed the impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie earlier in the day. Trump dismissed Massie personally, calling him a loser and criticizing his voting record on Republican legislation. He argued that Hegseth deserves recognition for winning wars in Venezuela and Iran, contrasting these successes with previous American engagements in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Trump defended Hegseth's leadership, noting that military recruitment had improved and that soldiers respect the Secretary.

During the exchange, Trump engaged in a confrontational moment with a CNN reporter who pressed him on the impeachment allegations. He supported Hegseth by stating that the soldiers and patriots who do the work love the Defense Secretary. The President reiterated his belief that Hegseth has done a very good job, despite the political challenges facing the administration.

Trump also discussed allegations concerning Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a woman suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence. Revealing that he had spoken to Huang earlier that day, Trump expressed surprise at the reports, describing Huang as a high-quality person he has known for a long time. He suggested that the controversy has taken a personal toll on Huang, particularly regarding his family. The President indicated that the FBI is examining a related matter and expressed confidence that Huang will be in good shape.

When asked about his May visit to China, Trump denied being aware of the alleged intelligence connections at that time. He stated that Huang told him he had no idea the person in question was a spy, and that he truly believes him. Trump did not expect to raise the issue himself during an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though he suggested Xi might bring it up. The President described Huang as an honorable man who built a great American company.

In other remarks, Trump questioned the results of recent midterm elections, specifically highlighting the Senate race in Alaska. He alleged that a candidate named Dan Sullivan was fraudulently put in the race to confuse voters, though these claims were not substantiated during the briefing. The President also defended White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, describing him as smart, tough, and fair. He insisted that the administration's immigration policy remains focused on the worst of the worst, with no amnesty.

The briefing concluded with a lighter moment involving UFC President Dana White, who was present at the White House. Trump joked that he had offered White the position of White House press secretary, noting that White had a confrontational style with the media. White, who was in London for a Zuffa Boxing event when he received the call, said he had zero political aspirations but did not explicitly tell the President no. Trump admitted the initial offer was partly a joke, stemming from a bad press day, but then jokingly reversed himself, saying he was not kidding.