1. Trump says unfreezing Iranian assets or lifting sanctions are not prerequisites for an agreement
—According to NBC, Trump stated that any agreement with Iran would not immediately unfreeze Iranian assets or lift any sanctions. Trump said, "That's a later thing. If they do well, if they perform well, then we'll start discussing those issues."
2. Trump says cooperation with Iran to recover and destroy highly enriched uranium could be possible if an agreement is reached
—According to NBC, Trump stated that if an agreement can be reached with Iran, the US will cooperate with Iran to recover and destroy its highly enriched uranium; if no agreement is reached, the US will further weaken Iran's military capabilities until the US military can safely recover these nuclear materials on its own.
3. Trump Overpowers Netanyahu: "I Decide the Deal" in the US-Iran Agreement
—According to the Financial Times, Trump stated in a phone interview with the media outlet: "Netanyahu will have no choice but to accept whatever agreement is reached between the US and Iran. I decide this, I decide everything. He (Netanyahu) doesn't decide. The Iranian attack hasn't changed my willingness to reach an agreement."
4. Mediating Between Iran and Israel: Iran, Enough, Israel, Don't Retaliate
—Clashes between Iran and Israel have recently reignited. Trump advised Iran: "You (Iran) have launched missiles, that's enough. Now you need to get back to the negotiating table and reach an agreement." Trump also stated that he would call Netanyahu now and tell him "Don't retaliate." Regarding Israel's earlier airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, Trump said, "I'm not happy about that."
5. Trump Seeks No Reason for the Fed to Raise Interest Rates
—Trump stated that if Federal Reserve policymakers choose to raise interest rates after the US employment data significantly exceeded expectations, it would be a mistake. Meanwhile, he insisted he did not want to influence Warsh before his first Fed meeting. Trump stated, "These days, whenever the economic data is good, the market goes down because everyone thinks the Fed will raise rates. But there's absolutely no reason to raise rates."
6. Claims US Troops in the Middle East Cost Little, No Withdrawal Plans
—According to NBC News, Trump stated that even though he believes Iran's defensive and offensive capabilities are severely weakened and the temporary ceasefire agreement is fragile and frequently violated, there are currently no plans to withdraw US troops from the Middle East. Trump said, "Keeping them there costs very little." He later added, "I think it would be stupid to do that (withdraw US troops) because we could probably use the US military presence" to force Iran to make concessions at the negotiating table.
7. US Officials: Israel "Reluctantly Agrees" to Hold Off Action; Trump Firmly Believes Negotiations Are Close to a Deal
—According to Axios, US officials revealed that Trump told Netanyahu in a call to postpone action because "we're close to a good deal." Netanyahu objected but ultimately "reluctantly agreed" to hold off action for the time being.
8. Reiterates Call for Immediate Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran
—Trump posted on social media on the 8th, stating, "Israel and Iran must immediately cease fire." He later emphasized that Israel and Iran are seeking an immediate ceasefire. Final negotiations for peace are underway but may be hampered by ignorance or foolishness. The blockade will remain in full effect until a final agreement is reached. Things should move quickly.
9. Calls $1.8 Billion "Deweaponization Fund" a Good Idea
—In an interview with NBC, Trump stated that he personally thinks an "deweaponization fund" is "a good idea," and hinted that some of the funds might be used to compensate those convicted in connection with the Capitol Hill riots. Despite Acting Attorney General Branch's previous promise that the idea had fallen through, Trump's explicit statement that he is trying to move forward with the plan could reignite tensions with Senate Republicans.
10. Trump Reportedly Considering Buying Chagos Islands, Seeking to Bypass UK and Trade Directly with Mauritius
—According to The Daily Telegraph, the Trump administration is considering buying the Chagos Islands from Mauritius to retain the strategically important US-UK joint military base on Diego Garcia. This move could directly impact and replace British Prime Minister Starmer's existing plan to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius and then lease back the base for 99 years.
