WASHINGTON ( The COW News Digial)U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that tariff payments will begin on August 1, calling it a “critical step toward stabilizing the American economy” and asserting strong leadership on global security issues.
Addressing reporters at the White House, President Trump claimed his administration had dismantled Iran’s nuclear facilities “entirely,” a move he said was necessary to secure global peace and eliminate potential threats.
“In our time, we prevented several wars and saved countless lives,” Trump declared. “The Russia-Ukraine war began under President Biden. Under my administration, there was no such aggression.”
Trump further stated he had helped defuse rising tensions between Pakistan and India during his first term, claiming a pivotal role in avoiding a potential conflict in South Asia.
Shifting focus to global trade, Trump confirmed the U.S. has reached a “beneficial trade deal” with Vietnam, which he said would boost the economies of both nations. The first phase of new import tariffs on select countries, particularly those trading with Russia, will be enforced from August 1.
In a direct jab at former President Joe Biden, Trump blamed his predecessor’s “weak policies” for allowing multiple conflicts to escalate worldwide. “We fixed many of the mistakes made under the previous administration,” he said.
Regarding Iran, Trump claimed military action was taken with the aim of ensuring long-term international peace, saying, “Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has been completely destroyed.” However, he added there is “no rush” to re-engage in diplomatic talks with Tehran. “We will move at our own pace and only act in America’s best interests,” he said.
On Africa, Trump highlighted the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, taking credit for bringing an end to a decades-long conflict. He portrayed his foreign policy as peace-through-strength, aiming to portray himself as a global stabilizer ahead of the 2026 elections.
Addressing the ongoing standoff with Russia, Trump said that President Vladimir Putin has so far failed to act on his commitments to peace. Still, he expressed cautious optimism: “I believe he may change his position within the next 50 days.”
Trump’s wide-ranging statements come amid increasing geopolitical tension and a hardening U.S. stance on enforcing economic pressure through tariffs and strategic military actions.
