1. Trump says he may have to strike Iran again
—Trump said on Tuesday that the U.S. may need to take military action against Iran again, just an hour before he was to issue the order to attack, after postponing the strike. Trump said Iranian leaders were pleading for a deal, but if no agreement was reached, the U.S. would launch another attack in the coming days.
2. Trump believes a diplomatic agreement with Cuba is possible—Trump: We will help Cuba. I believe a diplomatic agreement with Cuba is possible. It is unclear whether this will change the Cuban regime.
3. Trump says he doesn't have time to explain the recent conflict to the people because he is busy ending it
—Trump: I don't have time to explain this war to the people because I'm busy ending it. Regardless of whether military action against Iran has public support, I will not allow the world to be destroyed before my eyes.
4. Hopes to End the War with Iran “Very Quickly”
—Trump stated, “We will end this war very quickly. They (Iran) don’t have nuclear weapons. Hopefully, we can end this in a very dignified way.” Trump also claimed that Iran “is eager for a deal and is tired of this war.”
5. Polls Show Trump’s Approval Rating Declining
—According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 35%. The results show that only 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, a drop of one percentage point from earlier this month and slightly higher than the 34% low he reached last month.
6. Heard of Plans for Military Action Against Iran
—According to Axios, Trump convened a meeting with his national security team on the evening of the 18th local time to receive a briefing on military action plans against Iran. Two US officials said the meeting focused on the next steps in the war against Iran, progress in diplomatic negotiations, and possible US military action. The briefing reportedly indicates that Trump is “seriously considering resuming military action against Iran.” 7. May Attend G7 Summit in France During Birthday Hours
—Despite strained relations with allies, a White House official indicated that Trump will attend the G7 leaders' meeting in France in June to discuss issues such as artificial intelligence, trade, and combating crime. Trump's birthday coincides with the G7 meeting, when he will turn 80. While the Iran issue is likely to be on the agenda, Trump hopes to discuss business matters.
8. Crude Oil Futures Show Unusual Movements Before March's Postponement of Iran Strikes; CFTC Launches Investigation
—According to the Wall Street Journal, minutes before Trump posted a message on March 23 suspending strikes against Tehran, unusual market movements occurred outside of trading hours: over $800 million worth of crude oil futures changed hands within minutes. After Trump changed his mind, oil prices fell by as much as 13%, with traders who bet correctly profiting. At least five companies profited over $5 million that day. The CFTC is investigating the matter to determine if insiders exploited or leaked Trump's post.
9. Trump's endorsement of Paxton intensifies the Texas Republican Senate race
—Trump formally endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate primary on Tuesday. This endorsement has significant implications: Senate Republicans had been urging Trump for months to support incumbent Senator John Cornyn instead of Paxton.
10. Plans to reduce NATO crisis response forces, demanding Europe take over security leadership
—According to sources, the Trump administration plans to inform NATO allies this week that the United States will reduce the military forces available to assist European countries in major crises. Trump has made it clear that he expects European countries to take over the primary responsibility for European security from the United States.
11. US Senate advances bill forcing Trump to withdraw troops from Iran
—According to the Associated Press, the US Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill aimed at forcing Trump to withdraw troops from the war with Iran. Previously, Democrats had repeatedly forced votes on war powers resolutions, but Republicans had consistently managed to garner enough votes to reject these proposals. However, this time, due to a defection of a Republican senator, the bill progressed.
12. Key Call with Netanyahu
—According to Israeli media outlet N12, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke by phone last night to discuss an upcoming decision regarding Iran. The call was described as "long and tense" and is considered crucial.
