1. On Iran: Despite Iran's "fragmentation," all sides want a deal
—Trump stated regarding Iran that there are significant divisions within the Iranian leadership, "Nevertheless, they all want a deal." He added that the US and Iran are still negotiating by phone and making progress towards an agreement, but it's uncertain whether a final agreement will be reached.
2. Reiterates Iran "must never" acquire nuclear weapons; inclined not to resume bombing operations
—Trump again criticized Spain and Italy for insufficient support in military action against Iran, claiming these countries must "feel that Iran possessing nuclear weapons is acceptable," but added, "(Iran acquiring nuclear weapons) will never happen." Trump also confirmed receiving an updated briefing from US Central Command on military options against Iran and stated that he personally favors not resuming bombing operations.
3. Circumvents war authorization process; writes to Congress stating Iran action is "over"
—On May 1, Trump wrote to Congress stating that US hostilities with Iran are "over." This statement aims to circumvent the "60-day deadline" for the US president to use troops without congressional authorization, and Trump also indicated that the war may be far from over.
4. Claiming the blockade is "working" and energy prices will plummet after the war
—Trump stated that the US is not currently "leaving" the Strait of Hormuz. He defended the US blockade, claiming it is working, and threatened, "After this war, the prices of oil, gas, and everything will plummet."
5. Hinting at not seeking congressional approval for continued military action against Iran
—Trump stated that the War Powers Act, which restricts the president's use of force without congressional authorization, is "completely unconstitutional," implying that he will not seek congressional approval for continued military action against Iran.
6. Regarding the US seizure of Iranian oil tankers: We're like pirates
—Trump stated on Friday that the US Navy's maritime blockade of Iranian ports was, in some ways, "like pirates." Trump said, "We took over the ship, we took over the cargo, we took over the oil. It was a very profitable business."
7. Pouring Cold Water on Iran's Latest Proposal
—Trump stated that he was "dissatisfied" with Iran's latest proposed negotiating terms. Earlier that day, Pakistani officials stated that Iran's latest negotiating terms had been forwarded to US officials. The specific details of this new proposal have not yet been released.
8. Raising Tariffs on EU Cars and Trucks to the US Next Week
—Trump announced that, given the EU's failure to comply with previously agreed trade agreements, tariffs on EU cars and trucks entering the US will be raised to 25% next week.
9. Claiming the US Can Quickly "Take Over" Cuba and Expanding Sanctions
—In a speech, Trump declared that the US could "almost immediately" take over Cuba, and that the US would deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the Cuban coast. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions against the Cuban government.
10. Trump says 100 million barrels of Venezuelan oil have been sold, with plans to double that number within a month
—Trump said the U.S. has sold 100 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, which has been shipped to Texas for processing, and plans to double that number within the next month.
