Trump asks "How would you know" about no indication of Iran halting hostilities

During a Tuesday Oval Office meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump reacted defensively after a reporter asked whether he had a clear strategy for the ongoing conflict with Iran. The journalist pointed out that Iran shows no indication of halting hostilities, prompting Trump to question how the reporter could know that. The exchange came amid ten days of reciprocal airstrikes between the U.S. and Iran, with Tehran still controlling the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi reinforcements reportedly en route. Three American service members have died since Friday, and the Pentagon faces budget and munitions shortages while oil prices climb. Trump later stated that Iran “desperately” seeks negotiations but that the U.S. will not meet until talks become “meaningful,” effectively confirming continued bombing.