Trump Cites Gaza Hostage Deal as Model for Iran Negotiations
During a flight from Ireland to Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump discussed various foreign policy issues with reporters, including relations with China, negotiations with Iran, the war in Ukraine, new weapons technologies, and the risks of artificial intelligence. Trump asserted that the U.S. leads China in AI development, stating that whoever wins the AI race "will win." When questioned about alleged Chinese provision of satellite imagery of Jordanian air force bases to Iran, Trump commented on the reciprocal nature of U.S. and Chinese espionage.
Regarding negotiations with Iran and the roles of CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump pointed to the hostage return deal from Gaza as an example. "Look at Gaza as an example. Look at the fact that we brought all the hostages back," he said, praising the operation. "You know, people forget that there is almost no fighting in Gaza. They did an amazing job. Nobody could have done this job."
Trump also addressed diesel prices and the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that much diesel comes from Russia and that Ukrainian attacks on Russian facilities are impacting global supply. He stated he had asked President Zelensky not to strike diesel facilities and refineries, arguing that the resulting difficulty in exporting diesel "hurts the world."
On the topic of military aid to Ukraine, Trump mentioned that while some U.S. weapon stockpiles have been transferred, the U.S. is rapidly producing more, including Patriot missile systems. He also spoke optimistically about new weapons technologies like lasers, predicting they would become a significant future asset.
Further comments included Trump's intention to review documents related to the 9/11 attacks and Saudi Arabia, his disapproval of laughter during a 9/11 memorial ceremony, and his plan to examine sanctions imposed by the UK, Ireland, and Canada on Israeli settlers in the West Bank. He declined to comment on a reported incident involving an Iranian vessel and stated it was too early to endorse a potential presidential candidate for 2028.
