As the United States and Iran discuss signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to end the war, U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 4th that the United States would ultimately win, whether through a diplomatic agreement or military means.
Speaking at the White House regarding the situation with Iran, President Trump said, “I think we are doing very well, but we will have to wait and see how we end up winning.”
He added, “We could win on paper, or we could win militarily,” indicating that the United States would win either way.
This remark is interpreted as expressing confidence that the United States will achieve its desired outcome in one way or another, whether through the conclusion of peace negotiations with Iran or the deployment of military means if necessary. Regarding the pro-Iran militant group Hezbollah’s rejection of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, which was reached through U.S. mediation, President Trump stated, “They did not reject it,” adding, “Hezbollah seems to be watching the situation.”
He further explained that Hezbollah had previously contacted the U.S. first to express their willingness for a ceasefire, stating that “progress is being made” in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
When asked by reporters whether the ceasefire with Iran would end if a U.S. soldier were killed, President Trump said that would be a “valid reason” to end the ceasefire, adding, “If they kill U.S. soldiers, I will do so very quickly.” Although he answered a hypothetical question, this suggests that the U.S. military could take military action against Iran if U.S. soldiers are killed.
President Trump also said that while he does not necessarily want to meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, there is a possibility of a meeting if negotiations with Iran are concluded. Regarding Russia and Ukraine showing signs of resuming peace talks, President Trump stated that the leaders of both countries must put an end to the war, adding, “I hope both sides make certain concessions.” President Trump attempted to quell the controversy surrounding the appointment of William Fulty, Administrator of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), stating that it is a “temporary position, not a permanent one.” He also mentioned that interviews for DNI candidates are currently underway.
Meanwhile, President Trump announced on the same day that he would provide approximately $700 million (about 1.05 trillion won) in support for coal-fired power plants and coal export infrastructure. This move reflects the Trump administration’s policy stance of lowering energy costs by expanding power supply while reversing the previous Joe Biden administration’s green energy policies.
President Trump stated, “We will protect 14 coal-fired power plants and 42 coal mines and build two new coal-fired power plants and one large-scale new export terminal.” The new coal power plants will be constructed in Alaska and West Virginia. In addition, he announced the invocation of the Defence Production Act (DPA) to support 13 coal-fired power plants in 10 states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
President Trump stated, “The ‘West Gateway Project’ is scheduled to begin construction this summer, and by the summer of 2028, more than 12 million tons of clean, excellent coal will be exported to countries around the world.” The West Gateway Project is a coal export terminal project being built in Oakland, California, as part of an infrastructure initiative to export coal produced in the U.S. West Coast to overseas markets.
Regarding the announcement, President Trump described it as “a historic measure to lower energy and living costs for all Americans through the power of clean, excellent coal.”