President Donald Trump updated the American public on the details of the US naval blockade of Iran during an unusual press conference in which he received a delivery from fast-food giant McDonald's.
"Many countries are coming to our country right now to give the best oil. It might be resolved before then. The right people called us – people who are ready to make a deal – and we want to make a deal too. I think Pope Leo is very weak on crime, a lot of things. We need law and order in our country," Trump said.
Trump then threatened Iran, saying, "It won't be pleasant for them when the deadline expires. Right now, there is a blockade – they are not doing business, Iran is not doing business at all, and we'll keep it that way. The Navy, the Air Force, air defense, radar, and leadership have been lost. We have a very good relationship with China – he would like to see this end. So do I. But you cannot give nuclear weapons to a group of people who have caused nothing but chaos for 47 years."
Trump emphasized that Iran is interested in continuing negotiations, saying, "They called us from the other side – they want to make a deal very much. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. We've agreed on a lot of things, but they haven't agreed to that. I'm certain they will agree. If they don't agree, there will be no deal. We'll send back 'the dust'" – referring to enriched uranium – "'they'll give it to us, or we'll take it.'" Ongoing contacts between the American delegation and Iranian leaders have been taking place, CBS News reported. An American official said there is "forward movement in the effort to reach an agreement."
Asked about the consequences if no deal is reached before the deadline – a two-week window that began April 8 – the president said, "I don't want to comment on that, but it won't be pleasant for them, let me put it that way."
During the press conference, a DoorDash courier arrived with an order from fast-food giant McDonald's, and the president gave her a generous tip and chatted with her. The courier's appearance was part of a campaign opposing the taxation of tips paid to service workers.
