Trump suggests Iran deal ‘possible’ over weekend
(NewsNation) — The precarious ceasefire between the United States and Iran was tested again Tuesday as the Pentagon reported strikes in the region in response to missiles launched by Tehran toward nearby regional neighbors.
According to a release from Pentagon officials, military forces conducted self-defense strikes in response to “attempted attacks by Iran” on Middle East targets. According to the release, Iranian missiles were launched toward regional neighbors Kuwait and Bahrain.
On Wednesday, Kuwait’s foreign ministry said at least one person has been killed.
Strait of Hormuz will open when memorandum of understanding signed: Trump
The president said that as soon as a memorandum of understanding was signed, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. The waterway has been a significant sticking point in negotiations.
Trump says negotiations going well
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump avoided directly answering a question on whether the ceasefire was still in effect given recent strikes.
He stated that negotiations are going well and suggested a deal could possibly happen “over the weekend” if things continue to go well.
Iran agrees to have no nuclear weapon, Trump says
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran has agreed not to have a nuclear weapon, and Iran’s ayatollah is involved in negotiations with the U.S.
“They’ve already agreed they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said on the “Pod Force One” podcast while speaking about Iran.
He also acknowledged having a harsh exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he was not happy with Israel’s fighting with Lebanon.
“I did. I wouldn’t say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon, you know,” Trump said, adding he and Netanyahu get along very well.
US inflation is not ‘very much’: Trump
On the podcast, Trump also said gas prices in the U.S. will come down when the war with Iran ends, and inflation at the moment is not “very much.”
“We don’t have very much inflation. Look, if you take away just the price of gasoline, the energy, we have very little inflation,” he said.
Domestic gas prices have increased roughly 40% since the conflict began in February, or about $1.20, and are the highest for this time of year since 2022.
The national average for a gallon of regular is $4.26, more than $1 higher than a year ago, according to AAA.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route, have roiled global energy markets and driven sharp swings in oil prices.
Kuwait airport suspends flights after drone and missile strike
Kuwait’s General Civil Aviation Authority said the airport’s “T1” building was targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, causing severe damage to facilities and an unknown number of injuries.
Flights have been suspended and diverted to alternative airports until further notice, and an emergency plan has been activated.
Kuwait Airways has resumed flights from one terminal of the airport, after previously suspending all service.
Iran condemns US strikes, warns of retaliation
Iran pushed back Wednesday against what its Foreign Ministry called illegal U.S. military strikes, citing an attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and a hit on a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island as violations of both the ceasefire and international law.
The ministry also pointed fingers at Kuwait and Bahrain, accusing both countries of enabling the strikes by letting U.S. forces operate from their territory and facilities.
Iran stopped short of announcing immediate action but warned it would respond by any means necessary, up to and including striking the origin point of any future attacks.
US shoots down drones, intercepts missiles
American military forces were able to shoot down three one-way attack drones, officials said, adding that Iran launched the UAVs toward “civilian mariners” who were “rightfully transiting regional waters.”
The Pentagon release stated the two missiles headed toward Kuwait “fell short or broke apart en route,” while three missiles launched toward Bahrain were intercepted by U.S. and Bahraini air defenses.
“American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island,” the release said.
Military officials confirmed no personnel were hurt in the incident and the U.S. military remains vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.
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