Trump Hardens Foreign Policy Stance on Several Fronts

US President Donald Trump has made a series of tough statements on several key areas of international policy, addressing relations with Venezuela, China, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and India. He announced that Washington intends to increase military, political, and economic pressure in all directions.

Venezuela: Possibility of Ground Operations

As part of the fight against Venezuelan narco-cartels, Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of ground operations. When asked by a journalist if he was considering such steps, Trump replied, "Well, I don't want to tell you for sure, but we are certainly looking at the possibility of operations on the ground, as the sea is now under our very good control." At the same time, he avoided answering whether the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has the authority to eliminate Maduro, stating it would be an "absurd question for him." Nevertheless, according to him, Venezuela "is feeling the pressure."

Middle East: "Green Light" for Israel

Donald Trump stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could return to the streets of Gaza if the Palestinian Hamas movement does not comply with the terms of the American peace plan. "Israel will be back on those streets as soon as I say the word," he said in a phone interview with CNN. "If Israel can go in and crush them, it will be done." Trump added that he is currently "forced to restrain" the Israeli authorities. Following this statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to prepare a plan to resume military operations in Gaza. According to the minister, under Trump's plan, Hamas is obliged to return all fallen hostages and lay down its arms. Otherwise, Israel will resume military operations to achieve all its war objectives.

China and India: Trade War and Oil Deals

Donald Trump confirmed that the US is already in a trade war with China. "We're already in it," he answered a journalist's question. "Look, we have 100% tariffs. If it weren't for the tariffs, we just wouldn't exist. China has been using tariffs against us for years, but we never had someone who thought it necessary to respond in kind."

Simultaneously, Trump recorded a diplomatic success in relations with India. According to him, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised him that the country would stop buying Russian oil. "He assured me that they will not buy Russian oil. This is a serious step forward. Now I have to convince China to do the same," Trump noted, adding that the process will take time. He also had warm words for Modi, calling him a "great man" and a "friend."