1. Warning of a Rockfall in Oil Prices When the War Ends
—Trump stated, “Once the war with Iran ends, oil prices will fall like a rock.” Regarding a specific timeline for the price drop, Trump said, “Once the war ends…I believe it won’t be long.” He indicated that a large amount of infrastructure had been left in Tehran, and a “100-yard” safety distance had been deliberately maintained around “everything related to oil.” Regarding the damage to Kharg Island, Trump stated, “Kharg Island is currently unusable, except for those pipelines. I don’t want to damage those pipelines.”
2. Acknowledging Iranian Retaliation Exceeds Expectations
—According to the Wall Street Journal, US President Trump confirmed that the scale of Iran’s retaliatory actions after the US strikes against Iran surprised him. Trump told reporters at the White House, “Nobody thought they would attack the Gulf states.” The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Iran’s retaliatory attacks caught Trump off guard.
3. Giving a Vague Timeline for Ending the War Again: Soon, But Not This Week
—Trump again gave a vague timeline for the duration of the war with Iran, saying the conflict would “end soon.” When asked by reporters whether the U.S. could end the war this week, Trump replied, "I don't think so. But it will be soon. Not too long."
4. Hints at Attack on Kharg Island Oil Facilities—Trump told reporters at the White House, "The pipelines on Iran's Kharg Island will break down sooner or later"—hinting at a possible U.S. military attack on the oil infrastructure on this key island for Iranian oil exports.
5. Establishment of a Task Force on Federal Benefits Fraud
—Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force to combat federal benefits fraud, led by Vice President Vance, thereby strengthening government oversight of the use of federal funds in Democratic-led states.
6. Complaining about Allies' "Lack of Help"
—On March 16, local time, Trump again appealed to other countries to help ensure navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz at a White House event: "Some countries are very proactive, some are not so proactive. Some of these countries, we've been helping for years, protecting them from terrible external threats, yet they aren't very proactive."
7. Claiming a Former US President Praises His Actions on Iran
—Trump claimed he recently spoke with a former US president who praised his actions on Iran, saying, "I wish I had done what you did back then." Trump declined to reveal the former president's identity or provide any evidence that the conversation took place.
8. Claiming He Will "Take Over" Cuba—Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he believes he will be "honored to take over Cuba," adding that he "can do whatever he wants to this country."
