Trump: conflict with Iran could end soon

Rastinews — "Right now it doesn't seem like a military operation is really necessary, but we're prepared for anything," the US president said.

Trump said the war with Iran was drawing to a close. "We're seeing momentum toward this conflict ending. I think it will end pretty soon," he said.

Trump said Israel and the Middle East were protected from "the Iranian threat" and that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. He added that talks with Iran were going well and that he hoped the process would wrap up soon.

"I can't guarantee anything"

Asked a follow-up question, Trump said the US was simply maintaining the current status quo, but would take the necessary steps if Iran moved in the opposite direction.

"I can't guarantee anything, but if we have to go back in, we're ready for everything. If we're forced to, we'll take this very seriously. We're completely prepared. We have a brand new aircraft carrier. Everything is loaded up with new, incredible equipment. I hope we don't have to use it," Trump said.

Trump said the US still held out hope of reaching a deal with Iran, repeating that talks with Tehran were proceeding positively.

"I believe Jensen Huang"

President Trump also commented on Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, the AI chip giant and one of the world's most valuable companies.

Trump said he had spoken with Huang after it emerged that Huang had a relationship with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, who is believed to have gathered intelligence on China's behalf.

Trump said he knew Jensen Huang well and considered him an "honorable" man. "I asked him about it. He told me he had absolutely no idea the person was a spy. I really believe him," Trump said.

Asked whether Huang had known about this connection during Trump's visit to China this year, Trump said Huang had not been aware of it.

No change signaled on immigration policy

At the briefing, Trump was also asked about remarks he made in a CBS interview acknowledging that his immigration policies were "very tough."

Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for US immigration policy, noting that most criminals had already been deported and that such efforts were continuing.

Trump also said the administration had "strong deportation policies," adding: "There will be no such thing as amnesty. They knew the laws when they came."

/Agency/