US President Donald Trump stated on Friday, May 22, 2026, that his administration is handling the Iranian file with firmness, noting that Tehran is actively seeking to reach an agreement with Washington after suffering severe blows. Trump explained that the
coming days will be decisive in determining the course of developments between the two countries, asserting that Washington had no other choice but to escalate to protect its interests. He emphasized the strength of the US military and his intention
to raise the defense budget to $1.5 trillion. These remarks come amid an unprecedented escalation of regional tensions and the fallout of mutual military operations that have affected navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside reports of diplomatic efforts for
de-escalation.
