Tag: trump

Trump calls G7 support “irrelevant”, claims US is winning war in Iran

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as "irrelevant" and claimed that "the US has won the war in Iran" in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in Washington. When asked if he had a message for the G7 leaders, Trump said the US did not need outside support. The statement was made ahead of the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17. Regional tensions that began on Feb 28 after Israeli and US attacks on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontation, counterattacks and diplomatic disputes. Iran and Israel have also exchanged attacks in recent days before easing tensions, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and avoid a wider conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as “irrelevant” and claimed that “the US has won the war in Iran” in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in […]

US will declare “absolute victory” over Iran in two weeks – Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US would declare "total victory" over Iran within the next two weeks, just hours after Iran and Israel agreed to halt the worst escalation of violence since a ceasefire took effect in April, Anadolu Agency reported. "We are a very determined team, and I think we are winning the battle, but you will really win it in the next two weeks when we declare absolute victory," Trump said during a campaign teleconference with Senator Lindsey Graham, his close Republican ally. "It will be an absolute victory. It will happen soon, and oil prices will drop sharply," he said. Earlier on Monday, Iran announced an end to its attacks on Israel, but warned of retaliation if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continued. The Iranian military said Israel and its allies "should have learned a lesson" from Tehran's response. Regional tensions rose on Sunday when Israel bombed the Lebanese capital, Beirut, despite a ceasefire still in effect. The action prompted Iran to launch retaliatory missiles into northern Israel, triggering several waves of Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets. Trump intervened early Monday by posting on his Truth Social platform, urging Israel and Iran to stop the fighting "immediately". -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US would declare “total victory” over Iran within the next two weeks, just hours after Iran and Israel agreed to halt the worst escalation of violence since a ceasefire took effect in April, Anadolu Agency reported. “We are a very determined team, and I think […]

Trump Says US-Israeli War On Iran Will ‘Be Over With Soon’

WASHINGTON, May 23 -- President Donald Trump appeared to signpost Friday that a conclusion to the US-Israeli war against Iran is on the horizon, Anadolu Ajans reported. "We have stopped them. They're not going to ever have a nuclear weapon. They're never going to have a nuclear weapon. And we'll have that over with soon. It'll be over with soon," the US president told his supporters in the state of New York. "You're going to see numbers like you've never seen, both on the upside and also in terms of cost; you're going to see cars go down," he added. Earlier Friday, Iran's semi-official news agency reported that a Qatari delegation is negotiating with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran in a bid to end the war amid Pakistani mediation. The report came after Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran as part of Islamabad's ongoing mediation efforts to end the war. It is the second such trip to Tehran by Munir. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran for the past two days as part of indirect talks between the US and Iran. The flurry of diplomatic activity comes as reports suggest negotiators are closing gaps on an agreement to end the war. Mediation to draw hostilities to a close began when Pakistan secured a ceasefire on April 8, halting the war and later hosting the highest-level talks between the US and Iran since 1979 on April 11-12. Islamabad has intensified its mediation process to secure a second round of direct talks between the two sides. -- BERNAM

WASHINGTON, May 23 — President Donald Trump appeared to signpost Friday that a conclusion to the US-Israeli war against Iran is on the horizon, Anadolu Ajans reported. “We have stopped them. They’re not going to ever have a nuclear weapon. They’re never going to have a nuclear weapon. And we’ll have that over with soon. […]

Trump Says He Will Not Provide Sanctions Relief For Iran Until Deal Complete

WASHINGTON, May 21 -- United States (US) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not sign off on any effort to ease sanctions on Iran until a deal to permanently end the war on Tehran is finalised, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “I'm not doing any relief until they sign an agreement. When they sign an agreement, we can get that place built up again and have something that's really a good country for the people, but no, we haven't offered anything,” he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. Trump earlier on Wednesday said negotiations are in their ‘final stages” but insisted he is “in no hurry” to complete them. “I just wonder whether or not they have the good of the people, because some of the things they're doing, to me, mean they don't have the good of the people, and they have to have the good of the people. There's a lot of anger now in Iran, because people are living so badly,” he said. Earlier Wednesday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for his second visit to Iran in less than a week, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported. After his arrival, Naqvi met with his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni at the Interior Ministry. Pakistan has played a key role in mediating efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Regional tensions boiled over Feb 28 when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate with barrages of drones and missiles that hit targets across the region as Tehran shuttered the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports through the strategic waterway. -- BERNAMA

WASHINGTON, May 21 — United States (US) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not sign off on any effort to ease sanctions on Iran until a deal to permanently end the war on Tehran is finalised, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “I’m not doing any relief until they sign an agreement. When they sign […]

China visit continues as planned, Trump expects ‘great’ meeting with Xi

LONDON: United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Friday that his official visit to Beijing would go ahead as planned, expecting a "great" meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said China had provided his administration with great economic benefits. "We will have a meeting with President Xi. "I think it will be a pretty great meeting. He's my friend. I've had a really good relationship with him for a long time," he said. Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14-15 to attend a summit with Xi, following the two leaders' meeting in South Korea last year.

LONDON: United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Friday that his official visit to Beijing would go ahead as planned, expecting a “great” meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said China had provided his administration with great economic benefits. “We will have a meeting with President Xi. […]

Trump Gives EU July 4 Deadline To Comply With Trade Deal

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or face significantly higher trade barriers, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the historic trade deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest trade deal ever,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social after speaking to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the phone. He asserted that a promise was made to reduce tariffs to zero in the trade deal the two signed in the UK last year, a commitment he said remains unfulfilled. The president noted he has granted European leaders until July 4, 2026, to comply with the agreement. Should the 27-member bloc fail to meet the deadline, Trump threatened to escalate US tariffs to "much higher levels." The Turnberry deal, negotiated on July 27, 2025, establishes a 15 per cent rate on most European exports to the US in exchange for zero tariffs on key American industrial and agricultural goods entering the EU. Although the EU Parliament approved the implementing legislation in March with a 417-154 vote, member states continue to negotiate the finalisation of the framework due to attached conditions. Von der Leyen confirmed the "very good" call with Trump and stated on X that both sides "remain fully committed" to the deal's execution, asserting that "good progress is being made towards tariff reduction by early July." Politico, citing one person familiar with the meeting, reported on Thursday that talks between EU lawmakers and governments on implementing the US deal ended Wednesday night without a deal. Trump said last week that Washington would raise tariffs to 25 per cent on cars and trucks imported from the EU, saying ​the bloc had not complied with the trade deal. Beyond trade, the US president said he and von der Leyen discussed the Iran war.

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) — US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or face significantly higher trade barriers, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the historic trade deal we […]

West Asian conflict: US should do a mission to Iran to seize nuclear material – Trump

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that US troops would need to carry out a mission to Iran to recover nuclear assets following an air strike that destroyed Tehran's enrichment facilities, Anadolu Agency reported. "Now we're going to suffer the consequences, because we have to travel to Iran to get nuclear weapons," Trump told reporters. He is believed to be referring to about 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) of enriched uranium reportedly trapped under the rubble of a site targeted in a US-Israeli strike last June. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the material was "under the rubble" with no immediate plans to retrieve it. Trump claimed that Washington had destroyed Tehran's nuclear capabilities. "We destroyed their nuclear potential. It was completely eliminated," he said, explaining that Iran would need weeks to obtain the material and that the US "will not allow them to continue digging" because of ongoing military monitoring. He also claimed that Tehran knew they "had no chance," despite their public statements to the contrary. "They told me that when I spoke to them, but on television they said the opposite," he said. "They don't like playing games with us. They don't like it at all," Trump said. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that US troops would need to carry out a mission to Iran to recover nuclear assets following an air strike that destroyed Tehran’s enrichment facilities, Anadolu Agency reported. “Now we’re going to suffer the consequences, because we have to travel to Iran to get nuclear weapons,” Trump […]

Trump Says US To Help Escort Neutral Ships Out Of Strait Of Hormuz Starting Monday

ISTANBUL, May 4 -- US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning West Asian time, describing the effort as a “humanitarian gesture” toward countries caught up in a conflict they have no part in. Anadolu Ajansi reported Trump said ships from countries around the world had asked the US for help after becoming trapped in the waterway. He said he had instructed his representatives to inform those nations that the US would use its "best efforts" to guide their ships and crews out of the restricted passage, adding the vessels would not return until the area was safe for navigation. Trump named the initiative "Project Freedom," saying many of the stranded ships were running low on food and other essentials needed to keep large crews in healthy condition. "The ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong - They are victims of circumstance," he said. He said the move was “for the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States,” adding that any interference with the humanitarian effort would "have to be dealt with forcefully." Trump also said his representatives are engaging in "very positive" discussions with Iran that he believed "could lead to something very positive for all." Iran did not immediately react to his announcement. The announcement came as Trump told the Israeli media outlet Kan News that he had studied Iran's proposal to end the war and found it unacceptable. "It's not acceptable to me. I've studied it, I've studied everything — it's not acceptable," he said. On Saturday, he had already expressed skepticism, saying Tehran had not yet paid a "big enough price" for its actions over the past 47 years. Despite the public dismissal, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that Washington remained engaged, Anadolu reported. "We're in conversation," Witkoff said when asked about the state of discussions. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Saturday that Tehran had submitted a 14-point response to a US proposal through a Pakistani intermediary. Iran said Sunday that it had received a US response and was reviewing it. The Axios news site reported that the US on Sunday submitted a newly revised draft agreement aimed at ending the war in response to Iran’s latest proposal. The war paused after a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire took hold in early April and was later extended indefinitely. Peace talks were held in Islamabad last month, but an agreement was not reached, and another round could not be arranged. Trump said "we're not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper. We're doing it telephonically.” -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, May 4 — US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting neutral foreign vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning West Asian time, describing the effort as a “humanitarian gesture” toward countries caught up in a conflict they have no part in. Anadolu Ajansi reported […]

Oil And Gas Supply Secure, But Rising Prices Strain Govt Finances – PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority. He said disruptions and risks to international trade routes due to conflicts in West Asia have led to higher shipping and insurance costs, which in turn are affecting fuel prices. However, he added that Malaysia is still able to ensure sufficient domestic oil and gas supply through its good relations with Iran and other producing countries, including Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. “So, fuel supply is assured, but prices are rising. “This is not a problem originating from us, but from external factors. That is why we are compelled to face the challenge of rising fuel prices,” he said while delivering a speech and briefing on the issue at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability’s monthly assembly here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government is committed to ensuring that rising global oil prices do not burden the majority of the people through the implementation of the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy, despite having to bear a heavy financial cost. He said that at present, the government is spending RM5 billion a month on fuel subsidies, compared with RM700 million in January when the BUDI95 subsidy was introduced. “Malaysia is still maintaining the RON95 price (RM1.99 per litre)… if prices surge further, the subsidy could exceed RM6 billion a month. But for now, the government is bearing about RM5 billion a month. “In January, when I announced the RON95 subsidy, we were covering RM700 million a month. I thought that was manageable, as Malaysia is not a poor country,” he said. The Prime Minister urged all parties to understand that rising oil prices are a global reality and not the result of weaknesses in domestic policy. Oil prices rose above USD120 a barrel on Thursday after President Donald Trump warned Iran that a United States naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for several months. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority. He said disruptions and risks to international trade routes due to conflicts in […]

Malaysia Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 -- Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties to fully respect and implement all terms of the ceasefire in good faith to prevent any return to hostilities.  It also urged all parties to avoid any provocative actions or unilateral measures that could negatively impact the fragile stability of the region or jeopardise global economic and energy security. “Malaysia expresses its appreciation to all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts and mediations that led to this agreement.  “This breakthrough demonstrates that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving long-standing conflicts and ensuring long-term regional security,” the ministry said. All the respective parties should use this window of opportunity to continue their dialogue toward a durable, comprehensive, and peaceful settlement to their differences, it added.  “Malaysia calls upon the international community to support these peace efforts and contribute toward a just and lasting resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all peoples in the region,” the statement read.  US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a two-week suspension of military operations against Iran following a mediation brokered by Pakistan. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Supreme National Security Council declared that Tehran would cease defensive operations if attacks on the country is halted. According to reports, negotiation between the parties involved is expected to take place in Islamabad on Friday. -- BERNAMA 

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 — Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties […]