1. Considering Support for Militia Groups – According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump is considering supporting militia groups to overthrow the Iranian regime.
2. Convening US Defense Industry Giants to Discuss Increased Production – Five sources familiar with the matter said the Trump administration plans to meet with executives from the largest US defense contractors at the White House on Friday to discuss accelerating weapons production.
3. Willing to Work with Surviving Iranian Officials – Trump recently stated that Iran's key military equipment is running out and said he is willing to work with some surviving members of the country's ruling regime.
4. Threatening Spain – Trump: Spain has been behaving terribly. I told Bessent to stop all business with Spain. All trade with Spain will be cut off because Spain has failed to increase defense spending.
5. Iran Wants to Negotiate Now, But It's Too Late – US President Trump commented on the situation in Iran on social media, saying, "Their air defense, air force, navy, and leadership are gone. They want to negotiate. I said, 'Too late!'"
6. Meeting with German Chancellor
Trump met with German Chancellor Merz at the White House on Tuesday. Trump stated that the two leaders would discuss the war, adding that German leaders "have been helping." Merz stated that both Germany and the United States want to eliminate the current Iranian regime.
7. Short-Term Oil Price Increases Tolerable
—President Trump stated on Tuesday that he could tolerate a period of rising oil prices because eliminating the "imminent" threat from Iran is more important. Once the war ends, oil prices may fall to even lower levels than before.
8. Plans to Escort Energy Ships Through the Strait of Hormuz
—Trump: He has instructed the U.S. Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial security guarantees at very reasonable prices for all maritime trade (especially energy) passing through the Gulf region. If necessary, the U.S. Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.
