President Donald Trump said the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement was officially over on Wednesday, citing recent Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the announcement, U.S. Central Command confirmed that military forces launched additional strikes against Iranian targets at the president’s direction.
The escalating conflict sparked security questions aboard the presidential aircraft during a press gaggle en route to Joint Base Andrews. When a reporter asked, “Were you aware of any credible threat by Iran to Air Force One?” Trump brushed off the specific danger while noting his general security profile.
“Well, I have a threat all the time,” Trump said. “I’m number one on their list, before you. But if I go, you go, right?”
When the journalist attempted to follow up by asking, “But was there a specific—” Trump cut her off, adding, “Perhaps someday you want to change professions.”
The exchange followed Trump’s revelation that he chose to return from the NATO summit on the current Air Force One rather than a new $400 million Boeing 747 gifted to the U.S. by Qatar. Trump stated that the Qatari-gifted plane was instead routed to various military bases in Europe so American troops could view the aircraft, which he described as “truly magnificent.”
The decision to route the plane elsewhere comes amid ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers and security experts regarding the foreign-built aircraft’s potential safety and intelligence risks.
Despite the military strikes and ending the ceasefire, Trump indicated that diplomatic channels had not completely closed, noting that Iranian officials contacted him “a little while ago.”
“They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump told reporters, though he added, “I just don’t know if they’re worthy of making the deal.”
When pressed on why Iran would target commercial shipping if they were eager to negotiate, Trump responded, “Because,” before pausing. “They’re sorta crazy, to be honest with you. They’re a little bit out of control.”
READ: Trump On Air Force One: ‘Question Of Whether You Believe The Woman’ As Maine Senate Race Implodes
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