US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hoped to avoid military action against Iran, which has threatened to strike American bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack.
Trump said he is speaking with Iran and left open the possibility of avoiding a military operation after earlier warning time was "running out" for Tehran as the United States sends a large naval fleet to the region.U.S
When asked if he would have talks with Iran, Trump told reporters: "I have had and I am planning on it."
"We have a group headed out to a place called Iran, and hopefully we won't have to use it," the US president added, while speaking to the media at the premiere of a documentary about his wife, Melania.
Earlier in the day, Trump also announced a new federal effort to combat drug addiction and substance abuse, calling the crisis one of the most serious challenges facing the United States, he signed an executive order launching the Great American Recovery Initiative.
“We lose an estimated 300,000 people to drug and alcohol abuse every year, and the real number is probably much, much higher,” Trump said. He noted recent progress, citing a 21% decline in drug overdose deaths over the past year, which he attributed to intensified federal enforcement and prevention efforts.
Trump said his administration has seized more than 47 million fentanyl pills and 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, claiming that drug trafficking by sea has dropped by 97 percent. He also noted that drug cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
Touching on broader international issues, Trump warned U.S. allies about expanding trade ties with China, describing such cooperation as “very dangerous,” particularly for the United Kingdom and Canada. He urged allied nations to remain vigilant as China’s global economic influence grows.
The president also commented on Cuba, expressing the view that the Cuban government will not be able to endure in the long term.
Trump concluded by reiterating his administration’s focus on national security, drug enforcement, and protecting U.S. economic interests amid rising global risks.
