As he prepared for a trip to China, President Donald Trump gave mixed answers about whether he wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help end the war with Iran.
At first Trump said, “I don’t think we need any help with Iran.” Minutes later, when pressed on whether Xi could help revive a ceasefire, he said he would “like whatever help Xi can offer.” He then reiterated that the U.S. did not require Beijing’s assistance, adding, “They’re defeated militarily, and they’ll either do the right thing or we’ll finish the job.”
Trump declined to say that Iran would be a formal topic of discussion with Xi, saying the situation is “under control.” He warned that the outcome will be decisive: “We’re either going to make a deal or they’re going to be decimated, one way or the other.”
Addressing economic concerns tied to the conflict, Trump predicted inflation would fall about 1.5 percent after the war ends and forecast a surge in oil supplies. “You’re going to have a gusher of oil like you’ve never had before,” he said, arguing that oil prices would drop and stock markets would climb higher, ushering in what he called a “golden age of America.”
On talks with Tehran, Trump remained noncommittal about details but insisted the U.S. was pursuing a favorable outcome: “We’re only making a good deal,” he said, adding that the result would be “very good for the American people, and I think actually very good for the Iranian people.”
The comments came as Trump prepared to depart for China and drew attention for their shifting tone on whether outside help is needed to resolve the conflict.
– ABC News’ Emily T. Chang and Fritz Farrow