State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce Holds Press Briefing.
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00:00Hi, everybody. It was a beautiful day yesterday. I don't know. Is today nice? Have you guys been outside at all? It's nice. Oh, great. I had no idea. Good. That's good. Spring is here.
00:27All righty. Obviously, a few announcements here at the top. Busy day. I think I can answer some questions for you. I'm going to do my best. So thank you for being here. And good afternoon, everyone.
00:38On this Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, I want to again extend warm wishes to Christians around the world who are observing this sacred time. May it be one of reflection and peace for all who celebrate.
00:55And once again, someone's phone rings. Once again, Secretary Marco Rubio, Ambassador Steve Witkoff, and their teams have left the comfort of their homes to once again work to end the carnage that is unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine conflict,
01:14hoping to, again, bring peace to the families across that region who one day themselves may be able to enjoy the comfort of their homes as well.
01:23President Donald Trump has been clear. This madness has to come to an end quickly and completely. During his recent visit to NATO, Secretary Rubio also noted that the time for peace is now, not in months or years. It is now.
01:41He stated specifically that just two weeks ago that it would be a matter of weeks when we would be able to know if Russia was serious about wanting to end this catastrophe.
01:54And now the civilized world waits to see if Russia is indeed serious.
01:59President Trump has committed his administration to peace and a future that everyone can count on.
02:06His vision and demand for an end to the hostilities remains a North Star for Secretary Rubio, Ambassador Witkoff, Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg,
02:17and so many others who are determined to make clear to everyone around the world that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have happened if President Trump had been President at the time.
02:27Now he remains committed to reversing the disaster that has unfolded.
02:33To that end, Secretary of State, Mark Rubio, Ambassador Steve Witkoff, and Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg,
02:40are in Paris today with a clear motivation to find a path forward to end the Russia-Ukraine war in order to stop the bloodshed.
02:48The visit, which includes meetings with European partners, aims to advance the shared interests and restore stability to the region.
03:00The Secretary will also be talking to partners about our shared commitment to ensuring that Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon.
03:11These efforts are rooted in common sense and a firm belief that American strength and decisive leadership can reshape the world for the better.
03:21And now turning to the news of the week, because there is more. I know. Everyone's surprised.
03:26Today, the United States sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen for its financial support of the Houthis, as well as key leaders or officials of that bank.
03:36The United States is committed to disrupting the Houthis financial networks and banking access as part of our whole-of-government approach to eliminating Iran's threat network.
03:49Moreover, we can confirm the reporting that Changguang, satellite technology company limited, is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthis terrorist attacks on U.S. interests.
04:01Their actions and Beijing's support of the company, even after our private engagements with them, is yet another example of China's empty claims to support peace.
04:13We urge our partners to judge the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese companies on their actions, not their empty words.
04:21Restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is a priority to President Trump.
04:27Beijing should take this priority seriously when considering any future support of CGSTL.
04:34The United States will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organizations, such as the Houthis.
04:42Now, as part of President Trump's unwavering defense of free speech, Secretary Rubio has permanently shut down the State Department's counter-foreign information manipulation and interference office, formerly the Global Engagement Center.
04:58As Secretary Rubio stated, over the past half-decade, bodies like GEC have called by our own governing ruling class, nearly destroyed America's long free speech history.
05:17We have launched a sweeping transparency initiative.
05:20The American people deserve answers, and we intend to deliver them.
05:25Most of you will recall, of course, the effort to censor Americans using certain entities here in the government, including that one here at the State Department.
05:34Now, turning to the budget, we continue to review the Department's global posture and programs to ensure that they serve U.S. interests in a rapidly evolving world.
05:45Our foreign policy is grounded in delivering results, results that make our nation safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
05:51And as the Office of Management and Budget, the OMB, has already stated, the funding decisions will be detailed in the President's budget request, which will be transmitted to Congress in due course.
06:06And I will not get ahead of that process today, just not that any of you would have asked.
06:11But I look forward to detailing more as we receive it.
06:15With that, I welcome your questions, all of them which I may not be able to even answer, or I will answer them.
06:25Matt Lee.
06:26Thank you, Tammy.
06:28And I am going to have to leave in 12 minutes because I've got to get to the airport.
06:32Oh, darn.
06:33I should have been later today.
06:35So when I walk out, I'm not leaving in protest.
06:39I'm facing Paris.
06:39MS.
06:40I would never suggest that.
06:41It's more fun to stay.
06:42So I just want to ask you about what you said about the talks in Paris.
06:45MS.
06:46Yes.
06:47Is there any more detail that you can provide?
06:50And when you say that the civilized world waits to see if Russia will be serious, are you suggesting that Russia is not part of the civilized world?
07:00MS.
07:01Well, I guess we're waiting to see for a minute.
07:03And I suppose, clearly, I think, clearly, Russia has an interest in being part of the civilized world, as we all do.
07:11And we take actions that make it easy and appropriate for us to do business with and to be embraced by countries that think accordingly, that peace matters.
07:23I think that matters to everyone.
07:25And that, in part, of course, affects the choices we make.
07:27So, okay.
07:29So do you have anything more to share?
07:31MS.
07:32Yes.
07:33I can tell you.
07:34But that is happening, I guess, still.
07:35MS.
07:36Yes.
07:37Now, what I can note, of course, is regarding the other meeting that we expect.
07:40And I can confirm that it will be Saturday and in Rome.
07:45So that is confirmed for those – I'm sorry.
07:46I'm sorry, Matt?
07:47Sorry.
07:48You just said it's going to be in Rome.
07:49MS.
07:50Yes.
07:51It's going to be in Rome.
07:52It's going to be in Rome on Saturday, because many of us are saying it.
07:53MR.
07:54Yeah.
07:55MR.
07:56Ruby is not going to be there.
07:57So I'm not asking about that.
07:58I'm asking about Ukraine.
07:59MS.
08:00Oh, so you know that.
08:01That's really – thank you very much.
08:02MR.
08:03Sorry.
08:04MS.
08:05Sorry.
08:06MS.
08:07You're asking about –
08:08I'm asking about the talks in Paris today.
08:10MS.
08:11Uh-huh.
08:12I'm just wondering if –
08:13MS.
08:14Well, they are ongoing as we sit here.
08:15Okay.
08:16MS.
08:17Yeah, they're ongoing.
08:18And they're – I think also there's one element where Iran, in fact, was discussed
08:23as well with the people who are attending.
08:26So as we are expecting certain reports on what the meetings have been, so they're – we
08:34will have more to say, to say the least.
08:37And hopefully by, I think, tomorrow morning, very early, perhaps, Eastern Time, we may even
08:42have some remarks by the Secretary.
08:44But all of this, as I've seen on – at these kinds of situations and gatherings, that
08:52things change quickly, and that may even be the case now.
08:56So I hesitate to go more into what we may see and when we may see it, only based on the
09:02fact that, of course, that's going to be determined by what happens on the ground.
09:05MR.
09:07All right.
09:08And I have to go.
09:09See you.
09:10MS.
09:11Hi, Matt.
09:12All right.
09:13Yes.
09:14Andrea Mitchell.
09:15Hi.
09:16Thank you very much, Tammy.
09:17Let me follow up on the Saturday meeting.
09:18MS.
09:19Yes.
09:20Initially, Ambassador Witkoff said that the U.S. would agree to no dismantling, but then
09:28it was clarified that –
09:29Would agree to what?
09:30I'm sorry.
09:31MS.
09:32To not require Iran to dismantle everything that they had, that if they – their – the
09:37Iranian position has been, pointing to my best understanding, that they want to retain
09:43enough for a peaceful nuclear power, for a civilian program with verification under the NPT,
09:52and willing to give up what they had broken out to 60 percent in the last couple of years,
10:00alarming the U.S. and other airlines in the U.S. of the world.
10:04But the position now is that they are saying, apparently, that they will not totally dismantle
10:13any nuclear program.
10:15Is the U.S. position that they have to dismantle even what would be verifiably proved to be
10:22a peaceful, low-level enrichment of nuclear power?
10:27MS.
10:28And I had one other question to ask you.
10:30MS.
10:31Let me answer that one once fresh, and then I will definitely stay with you.
10:34I'm not going to – I won't scoot.
10:35MS.
10:36I promise.
10:37MS.
10:38But this is important because – and I – because I do – I understand.
10:40It's an important question.
10:42But that is, of course, if we were going to be negotiating through our conversations,
10:47or on television or anywhere else, we wouldn't need to be going to Rome on Saturday.
10:53Those are issues that I'm – I suppose some would want to have be in the media or discussed
11:00publicly, but that's not – that's not the nature of what the negotiations are.
11:04That's not a reflection of what will –
11:05The U.S. position has been that they have to totally dismantle.
11:08Is that still the U.S. position?
11:09That's been the public position.
11:10MS.
11:11The – the – right.
11:12The bright – the bright red line is that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.
11:16That is unacceptable.
11:18That's been President Trump's statement from the start.
11:23Now, one could ask if you need enriched uranium at 60 percent for a peaceful program.
11:29I – I'm – I'm not in those negotiations.
11:32I don't know what questions will be asked.
11:35But that is the bright red line.
11:38And that's going to be discussed in private between the people who are assigned to have
11:42that conversation.
11:43And if there's anything we know, it's what is acceptable and not acceptable to President
11:49Trump.
11:50And that – that position has been clear.
11:51I understand that.
11:52MS.
11:53Yes, ma'am.
11:54But at a much lower level, something 5 percent plus, they – the question was whether
12:00they have to give up all uranium, which has been – which has been – which has been
12:04the –
12:05MS.
12:06If we were in Rome and having lunch, we could have the conversation.
12:10I will – certainly will not at all presume what diplomatic conversations or now what might
12:18be negotiations.
12:20I'm not going to presume about them or comment or have an opinion.
12:24And you had a second part.
12:25Second –
12:26MS.
12:27There has been an attempted hijacking on an airplane internally in Belize.
12:33Tropic air.
12:35And it involved an alleged hijacker who was a U.S. citizen who, according to law enforcement
12:43reports down there, was fatally shot on a confrontation with police.
12:48He's been identified as a U.S. citizen and a passport.
12:53Does the State Department have anything on this?
12:56MS.
12:57Not yet.
12:58We've watched that unfold, I think, as everyone else did.
13:00Horrifying.
13:01We are grateful – I think all of us are – that that did not turn into a mass casualty
13:07event with, I believe, over a dozen people on the plane.
13:11Clearly, we know a few details.
13:14We don't know much more.
13:17But as I was actually working on the briefing, that became – that came across my timeline.
13:23It came across yours.
13:25And it was – it's terrifying.
13:28But thank God.
13:29We don't know about injuries or any other details, so I certainly can't comment.
13:33But it seems like there was, obviously, effective law enforcement on the ground.
13:40And that's all I have for you now.
13:42But obviously, we're watching it as well.
13:44All right.
13:45Yes.
13:46Thank you, Tammy.
13:48Back to your comments a moment ago that Matt also picked up – the civilized world
13:52voice to see if Russia is serious.
13:54So we're just trying to understand what exactly is the United States waiting given Russia
13:59rejected President Trump's proposal?
14:01What exactly are the metrics here?
14:02And given Secretary said, you know, we will see in weeks.
14:07Like, what are you waiting to see?
14:10And is the administration starting to put together a plan B if it becomes clear that – to the
14:16administration that Russia is not serious?
14:18Well, obviously, I can't talk about the specifics of what the President has said to other people, or what those decision lines are.
14:28We do know that – and also, I would say – I would dispute – push back a bit on your contention that the Russians have rejected something.
14:38Again, that's based on perhaps what you've observed and what others have observed.
14:42We – I don't know what the conversations are or what's been stated between any of the parties.
14:46So we can't go there.
14:48We can't go there.
14:49But what we do know, and what the Secretary has said often and what the President says, is that we are going to judge people based on their actions, not their words.
14:59And that is a universal standard that we will be using.
15:02And I think that's important.
15:04As far as the metrics, those again – that's why you go and you meet people face-to-face or you have conversations, and that's what we're doing.
15:12That's an important dynamic of determining, as many people have argued, about whether or not – who's serious, who isn't serious.
15:19And we've seen the actions that our friends the Ukrainians have taken, which is a commitment to a full ceasefire.
15:25The nature of the actions that they've said that they would do, that has been clear from the start.
15:31And it's understandable.
15:33We've got two parties here, and we have a standard.
15:36And so that's why, though, we have now – again, our best and brightest are in Paris making this determination, which is more – which is clearly complicated.
15:46And as far as the Secretary noting it'll be a matter of weeks, that again is a judgment and a statement that I think all of us can understand on a timeline, but clearly is based in what it is they say that they expect to see.
16:01I am not privy to that, and those conversations, of course, all day long and continuing on right now, I would guess, are to determine that.
16:13Just one follow-up.
16:14The French, actually, even though the conversations are ongoing, they described the current conversation so far – excellent, positive, constructive.
16:24I don't want to put words in your mouth, but do you have some adjectives to describe how it has been so far?
16:29Yeah, I think it's nice when any party to a conversation of this sort believes that it's positive.
16:36And that's great things.
16:38It's good news.
16:39What I care about is what President Trump and Secretary Rubio think when it comes to what they have asked for and what they expect and what the United States expects.
16:48That is the standard that the world looks for, and we'll know then what will come from that.
16:54The French being happy is fabulous.
16:56I love the French.
16:57I love Paris.
16:58It's a great country.
17:00It really is.
17:01And one must go – I know there's stuff about the French in America, but it really is.
17:07Traveling is wonderful.
17:09Meeting people is terrific.
17:11And the French are great people.
17:14But what I do know is that through today, as they've been talking in that wonderful, exquisite capital, more people have died who expected to be alive tonight and tomorrow, who will miss Good Friday, who will miss Easter, who just enjoy Passover.
17:33So we can think about the feelings of diplomats, which are important.
17:37But what matters is the end result, what the United States is able to deliver and achieve during those meetings, and what the United States wants, frankly, to make this a situation that this is the first involvement and the nature of both parties at the table since the beginning of this atrocity.
17:58And that speaks to the United – the power of Trump, the power of diplomacy in the United States.
18:04So that's good news.
18:06But the better news will be when America and President Trump's expectations are met.
18:11Yes.
18:12Yes, sir.
18:13Thank you, Tony.
18:14Appreciate it.
18:15Two questions.
18:16First off, number one, the President of Lebanon remarked yesterday that he intends to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.
18:23But he said it needs to be done on a bilateral basis without foreign interference or foreign pressure.
18:29I wanted to get State's reaction to that comment from the Lebanese President and ask how it might shape Deputy Special Envoy Ortegas' role going forward in dealing with the Lebanon portfolio.
18:42You know, you always ask me things that I have opinions on.
18:45I would love to answer.
18:46But you know, but you – but you – but I can't as the State – I'm here to talk to you about, you know, what – results of things, what we're intending, what we're doing.
18:56Certainly not speculating on what Morgan Ortegas will be able to do, what any special envoy will be able to do, what our response to another nation's leader will do, or what they are stating.
19:12What we do know, of course, and what is clear and remains clear, is that we want peace in that entire region, obviously.
19:19We are dealing with the Iran threat, which of course includes Hezbollah, let alone Hamas, and the Houthis.
19:26This is an over – this is an encompassing dynamic.
19:29So I leave that, for very good reason, to diplomats, and we'll – we know that they're addressing and aware of all the other aspects there.
19:39But we stand with Israel.
19:41This is not – this is not difficult, as is the reason why we're there and why we stand with Israel.
19:47Second question.
19:48It's been three weeks now since Elise Stefanik withdrew from the nomination for UN ambassador.
19:54A draft came out – it was leaked, I guess, yesterday, but a draft is always a window into an administration's thinking.
20:00Zeroing out funding –
20:01If it's real.
20:02I'm sorry?
20:03If it's real.
20:04If it's real.
20:05If it's actually – yeah, if it actually came from where it came – where they say it came from, well, go ahead.
20:09Zeroing out funding for the UN.
20:11So I'm trying to find out –
20:13Oh, it might – yes.
20:15Is there a correlation here between the lack of willingness to put forward another candidate and how long –
20:23How long –
20:24Oh, the conversation.
20:25So over drinks at night with you must be amazing.
20:28I look forward to that.
20:29Yeah.
20:30How long – with an interim ambassador in there, doesn't it do damage to drag out the process this long?
20:34No.
20:35No.
20:36It's – I think you've been around for a while.
20:38The budget process is a long one.
20:40We're also going through a process here of cutting down the budget because the deficit and the problems we've had, the way we've been spending, is unsustainable.
20:48And so the President is making America great again by making sure she doesn't collapse economically.
20:54That's one of those – one of those standards.
20:56When it comes to – we've seen the process.
20:58I'm not going to speak to the choices President Trump has made or the nature of Congress and the issue of majorities and minorities.
21:06And the fact, though, that this – there is a great deal of talent that he has to choose from for the UN ambassador for every other position here.
21:16It's people, perhaps, who haven't been in government, people who have been, people who've never been ambassadors, people who could be.
21:23It really opens up his point of view and who he knows and what he expects, like Steve Whitcoff, Ambassador Whitcoff.
21:30Remarkable man, now playing an extraordinary role in trying to achieve world peace.
21:35That is maybe not something that was ever on his plate, but it's happening.
21:39I would say the talent that is here is more than enough for the President to choose another candidate.
21:46And secondly, that other story which we addressed on Tuesday about zeroing out NATO and the UN is absurd.
21:55The fact is that the funding might look different, but it also will be more effective, more efficient funding that allow us, perhaps, to do even more as we deal with waste, fraud, and abuse.
22:06It is something you've heard before, but it's worth repeating.
22:09So then when we deal with NATO, Secretary Rubio has stated repeatedly we are committed to NATO, but one that is viable.
22:17And our love for NATO will be part of, example, by our assisting them and encouraging them to become more viable and to be more financially independent.
22:26For the UN, the UN clearly needs a strong American voice, as we've seen that it can make a difference, and we are going to have one.
22:34President Trump will make that decision, and it will be a good one.
22:37All right.
22:38Yes, sir.
22:40I want to circle back to Ukraine with two questions.
22:41Yes, sir.
22:42China.
22:43You probably have heard President Zelensky's latest statement on China saying that China supplies
22:47Russia with manpower, gunpower, and even helps them to manufacture some weapons inside Russia.
22:54This sort of goes back to your earlier statement a couple of days ago about China providing nearly
23:0080 percent of dual-use supplies to Russia.
23:05There are calls from the Congress, bipartisan calls, urging the administration to come up with sanctions on China.
23:13Are you planning to take any action to prevent this problem?
23:16Well, we know, of course – I don't need to mention the word tariffs to everyone, but these are things that are not about punishment of any one nation,
23:23but it's about a fair playing field, and that's relevant, certainly proving that President Trump not only isn't shy about engaging with China,
23:31he's not shy about engaging with anyone.
23:33And that's one thing the American people know.
23:36And I think also our commentary and the nature of the actions we're taking in general when it comes to China's choices have been clear.
23:47One thing I – speaking of China and the nature of what they're involved in, I will tell you something.
23:54It's a little bit out of the Ukraine region, is that there is a Chinese company providing satellite imagery to the Houthis.
24:04The Houthis.
24:05And we are aware of those reports that has been, I think, reported originally perhaps by the Financial Times.
24:11But China consistently attempts, as you know, to frame itself as a global peacemaker.
24:17And, however, it is clear that Beijing and China-based companies provide key economic and technical support to regimes like Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and its proxies.
24:28The CCP continues to enable these regimes, whether it be through the provision of dual-use items Russia needs to sustain its war in Ukraine,
24:36North Korea's ballistic missile development, or Iran's support of terrorism across the Middle East.
24:42And just to begin taking back to my topper a bit on Chengduong.
24:47It's a dynamic where it's clear, as we're learning, their engagement with war and the suffering of people globally.
24:58And, of course, that remains unacceptable.
25:01Beijing's support, by the way, of that company, the satellite company, even after we've engaged in discussions with them about this,
25:11the fact that they continue to do this is unacceptable, certainly contradicts their claims of being peace supporters.
25:20And we urge our partners to judge the CCP and Chinese companies, again, on their actions and not their words.
25:27MS.
25:28All right.
25:29Yes, all right.
25:30Go ahead.
25:31I have a question for you.
25:32Second question, if I may.
25:33Let's look back to Sunni.
25:34You made your comments about it last time.
25:35MS.
25:36Yes.
25:37I was hoping you could help us clarify either Kill or Keep Alive reports that the U.S.
25:40has blocked a G7 unified response to Sunni.
25:44I'm confused because we have seen a Secretary's statement, President's statement.
25:48We were very clear about that.
25:49MS.
25:50Yeah.
25:51The report suggests that you have been doing it because you want to refrain from what I
25:55was angry in Russia.
25:56MS.
25:57Well, again, I understand that we all see a lot of things written.
26:01It's perhaps your colleagues, people you know.
26:04But the world does not run on the guesswork or the conspiracy theories that show up in newspapers
26:10and magazines.
26:12It's clear to the world that that was a horrible strike.
26:16But also, the notion of me engaging in discussing what our private diplomatic conversations might
26:26be is not going to happen.
26:29But we also know that because you don't hear about our reaction, because we're not going
26:33to engage in this public dynamic, doesn't mean that things aren't happening.
26:38So it's – we clearly don't run foreign policy based on whatever new conspiracy theory
26:44or supposition that's coming up in a magazine about what we're doing or why we're doing
26:49it or why we're not doing it.
26:50That's not going to happen eventually, maybe not as quickly as some would like.
26:55People do find out what the results are.
26:57And so that's as much as I'll say about that particular report.
27:00Yes, ma'am.
27:01MS.
27:02Yes, ma'am.
27:03Two quick questions.
27:04The French have said there will be additional conversations next week in London on Ukraine.
27:07Will the Secretary attend those?
27:08MS.
27:09I've heard about that statement, and I can't say right now about what those specifics
27:15are or what the Secretary's actions will be.
27:19But stay tuned.
27:21Obviously, these are important meetings.
27:27But as the Secretary has noted, we aren't going to be having meetings about meetings.
27:32All right?
27:33Sorry, one more.
27:34MS.
27:35Oh, yes, one more.
27:36Of course.
27:37Of course.
27:38On the case of Mohsin Matwani, the Columbia student whose visa has been revoked, the New
27:41York Times has a report that Secretary Rubio put out a memo saying that his activities could,
27:45quote, potentially undermine the Middle East peace process.
27:47Can you confirm that's a legitimate memo and how his activities are?
27:51MS.
27:52No, I won't.
27:53I won't confirm or discuss or deny about a memo like that.
27:56And when it comes to, as you know, all of these, and I know sometimes it's not exciting,
28:01but it's true, is that we do have a standard about not talking about individual visa dynamics,
28:06including with that individual.
28:08And no, I won't get to talk about that.
28:11Yes, ma'am.
28:12Thanks, Tammy.
28:13A short while ago, the President said that the mineral deal with Ukraine would be signed
28:17next Thursday.
28:18I'm just wondering if you have any more details to offer about that.
28:21And can you say whether that was a topic of discussion in Paris today with the Secretary?
28:24MS.
28:25You know, I, again, I don't know.
28:27And even if I did, I wouldn't talk about the specifics of what that conversation would
28:34be.
28:35What I've said before, and it's still true, of course, is that there are no conversations
28:42that will happen regarding arrangements for things that are related to the ceasefire talks.
28:48Right?
28:49I mean, we've had, for the first time, we've been able to talk with Russia regarding diplomatic
28:54relations and the nature of how we're able to connect with each other.
28:58And that's not at all related to the ceasefire dynamic.
29:03And the, well, I can't comment on where that deal stands.
29:09What I will say is that negotiations are ongoing.
29:13But, again, not, it's not related to, obviously, the effort regarding ending those hostilities.
29:20On April 11th and 12th, U.S. and Ukraine technical teams conducted constructive negotiations on
29:27the proposed reconstruction investment fund.
29:32We will have, we've agreed to continue those discussions to finalize the agreement as soon
29:37as possible.
29:38This fund will help provide economic guarantees as we look to bring this conflict to a peaceful
29:44end.
29:45So you are going to be hearing about the investment fund.
29:51And we'll see what that contains as things go on.
29:54But those are active negotiations at this point.
29:56Yes, sir.
29:57Thank you very much.
29:58Just going back to Iran for a moment.
30:00Can you tell me where you're, where you're from?
30:02Yeah.
30:03Tom Watkins with The National.
30:04Excellent.
30:05Welcome aboard.
30:06Thank you very much.
30:07President Trump on Monday said Tehran, Tehran was tapping us along, suggesting a sense of
30:12impatience with the pace of talks.
30:14Can you talk about that if there's a sense of time running out and staying on Iran?
30:19Several reports this week pertaining to U.S. discussions with Yemeni factions or Yemeni
30:24forces about a potential land offensive against the Houthis.
30:29Can you tell us anything about those discussions?
30:31Yes.
30:32I was asked, I believe, on Tuesday about the reports about what the, what's happening on
30:36the ground there versus the Houthis, which is not something we're involved in, of course,
30:41so I can't speak to what the plans are or what battle plans or attacks against the Houthis
30:48by other individuals or other governments or regimes.
30:52So those discussions aren't taking place?
30:53Those conversations about?
30:54The conversations about?
30:55The conversations about?
30:56With the Yemeni, between the U.S. and Yemeni factions against the Houthis.
31:01Well, again, I just said how, I'm the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
31:07I can't speak to and wouldn't about what Yemen may or may not be saying to the Houthis or anyone
31:13else.
31:14But your first question was about President Trump's, what you perceived as irritation about
31:19the pace of negotiations.
31:21Well, throughout this process, it's clear that they expect swift answers.
31:26Again, there will be no meetings about meetings.
31:28It will not be months or years for answers.
31:30I see you, sir.
31:33It's a matter of weeks, right?
31:35This is about life and death.
31:38And that's how we view it.
31:40I would say that, though, there remains a commitment that President Trump clearly, as
31:45in the United States, could take many actions against people who threaten this country.
31:50And we choose not to.
31:51I think that speaks volumes.
31:53And the commitment to speak with entities that have threatened us repeatedly, that have
32:00an interest in threatening us, or who've done things that have been appalling.
32:05And yet, the first issue, in order to stop that, without resorting to more violence, which
32:12sometimes has had to happen, is to sit down and talk and find an answer.
32:17But it's not, again, none of these individuals are prepared to have it be that the answer
32:25is the search, right?
32:28That the effort and the thing that we do is the trying.
32:32It has to be a result.
32:35And I think that's what Trump is exhibiting here, is that it's not about, it's not going
32:40to be about trying or meeting after meeting.
32:43There's answers that you can say yes or no to and get it done.
32:46And that's what he, as a President, expects.
32:48As a businessman, he expected that.
32:50And as a President, he expected it.
32:52Yes, in the back there, sir.
32:53Thank you very much.
32:54And Nadia, right after him.
32:57Okay.
32:58What did Victoria Taylor discuss in her meeting with senior Kurdish leaders in her visit to
33:04Kurdistan?
33:05Good question.
33:06I don't have the answer to that, but we're going to get it.
33:08May we?
33:09Thank you, ma'am.
33:10I'll get that to you.
33:11Nadia, go ahead, please.
33:12I just have to go ahead.
33:13Yes, of course.
33:14One follow-up.
33:15We're all so busy.
33:16We are.
33:17One follow-up on the Iran question.
33:20Assuming that these talks are going to take place on Saturday in Rome.
33:24Yes.
33:25What would the United States want to see that you can describe it as successful?
33:29So, as a measuring stick, you would say that we entered this negotiation and therefore
33:34we consider it successful.
33:36What exactly does it look like?
33:37I don't make that decision about what that's going to be when it comes to the negotiators
33:40who are at that table.
33:41The President, again, has a bright line.
33:43They will not have a nuclear weapon.
33:46How that is determined is going to be the people at the table.
33:49I have a question on Gaza quickly.
33:52You know, the situation for the children in Gaza is described as hell on earth.
33:56Seven weeks, no food is getting in.
33:59Do you think that Israel should allow humanitarian aid to get to women and children in Gaza,
34:04regardless if there is negotiation or progress with Hamas on the hostage?
34:08Yes.
34:09There's – and it comes up all the time for a good reason, because it's a serious
34:13issue, and we all care about it.
34:15We also know that it is a zone where there's still fighting, where there's – we have
34:21– just the other day, we had Hamas say that they suddenly don't know where Edaan Alexander
34:25is.
34:26It is a remarkable dynamic.
34:28It's horrible.
34:30Everything that we do, though, is to affect exactly what you mentioned, which is saving
34:37the lives of everyone, certainly men as well, and women and children.
34:41It is to stop this so that this is not an issue for people.
34:45That's why we do everything.
34:48And to say that – ask whether or not we're concerned during the process when ceasefires
34:53are broken or it becomes impossible, of course it's frustrating.
34:58And it's not what any of us want, let alone the people who go there and are negotiating
35:01all the time.
35:03It is the thing that drives our desire for peace as human beings.
35:09And it's – and yet we can't quit because it gets stopped or frustrated.
35:15And it is a reminder about why that horrible situation has to end, why the Ukraine-Russia
35:21situation has to end as we, you know, are here in a comfortable environment and go home
35:28to our families.
35:29It is – that seems to be a luxury these days, but to not take it for granted.
35:34So, of course, that is the goal, is to get that fixed, and it's a goal we work toward
35:40every day.
35:41Yes, ma'am.
35:42I didn't get you last time.
35:43Welcome back.
35:44Yes.
35:45Yes.
35:48So today I was watching the briefing with Special Senior Advisor of President Trump,
35:54Mr. Mossad Veloz.
35:55He just returned from his trip to Africa.
35:58Yes.
35:59He visited DRC.
36:00Yes, he did.
36:01And he shared some of the meetings that he had with some presidents in this region.
36:09So, I want to hear from you.
36:11He mentioned about discussion of these mineral deals between United States and DRC.
36:17But the main purpose of the main interest of the DRC is the peace that they are looking
36:23for in the region.
36:24Yes, of course.
36:25It's what we all want.
36:26Can you share with us how confident Trump's administration is that this time, finally,
36:31there will be peace for Congolese people?
36:34Because until today there is people dying in the region.
36:37Well, that's – he's a – the President is obviously a confident man.
36:41He has an apparatus at his hands that he can try to make things work and he's confident
36:48enough to – he's a great deal maker.
36:50He's accessible.
36:51He's transparent.
36:52He's transparent.
36:53So, in general, what he does he's confident.
36:55But I can tell people a little bit about this dynamic.
36:59And I like that you asked because a lot of people don't ask about Africa in certain senses
37:04and certainly the DRC.
37:05But Senior Advisor Boulos, for those of you who don't know, B-O-U-L-O-S, he traveled along
37:12with the Deputy Secretary for State of African Affairs, Sanders, traveled to the Democratic
37:17Republic of Congo – of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda this month to meet with heads
37:23of state and business leaders to advance efforts for durable peace in Eastern Democratic Republic
37:28of the Congo and to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region.
37:34Economic prosperity will not happen without security.
37:37We reiterate that there is no military solution to the crisis in the Eastern DRC.
37:42We want to see a lasting peace in that region, which lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy.
37:49And regarding the mineral deal specifically, he's – he met with the President there,
37:56Che Ciccady.
37:59Okay?
38:00Our countries are working on a minerals agreement that will boost U.S. investment in the DRC's
38:07mining sector.
38:09And our DRC partners have pledged to facilitate an efficient, transparent, and effective business
38:15environment to strengthen our cooperation in this sector and attract U.S. investment that
38:20creates jobs and prosperity.
38:23We expect that this partnership will involve not only our governments, but a range of private
38:27sector partners.
38:28We are in the process of determining next steps, and we'll have more to announce in the near
38:33future.
38:34And as we've said when it comes to financial investment funds or otherwise, is that when a
38:40country has the United States as a partner and private American companies invested in the
38:46region.
38:47Not only is it about jobs and hope for the future, but it also is a signal to the region
38:53that there is more strength for that nation.
38:55Well, he also commented that the United States will – I mean, the Trump administration
39:01will fully support the Lobiro corridor process.
39:05Can you share with us, because he mentioned also he's planning to travel to Enola.
39:10Well, you know, it's – I can't speak on what their president said or what President Trump
39:17–
39:18You mentioned President – I mean, this administration will fully support –
39:20I'm sure he said that.
39:21I don't doubt that he said that.
39:23I'm not a party to what President Trump may or his advisers or envoys may have said or
39:30not said.
39:31So he said that.
39:32It's not something that I certainly can remark on or confirm.
39:35Yes, sir.
39:37Thank you, Tommy.
39:38A question about Syria.
39:39There are a lot of people talking about the U.S. withdrawing or reducing their forces
39:44in Syria.
39:45This question is not about the military posture, but it's about the administration's decision
39:49to withdraw or keep their forces in Syria.
39:52I remember President Trump said that we are looking at our forces in Syria and we will
39:56make a decision.
39:57So I'm asking this question to the State Department because the state is a key player
40:02in the decision-making process and oversee ISIS activities in Syria.
40:06Have you made any foreign policy decision regarding the U.S. forces in Syria?
40:11And I would like to have your comments on these reports because maybe they will mislead.
40:16Well, I know that the State Department is not involved in dealing with ISIS.
40:21All right?
40:22That's the Department of Defense.
40:26Right?
40:27So we have Homeland Security, certain issues, Department of Defense and our military.
40:31State Department is the diplomatic arm.
40:34Of course, we deal with partners in issues when it comes to foreign terrorist organizations
40:41here, the nature of who's here and how they got here.
40:45But we certainly – I can't speak to the nature of that.
40:48What we – I can tell you from just my experience is that the Department of Defense routinely
40:54reallocates forces based on operational needs and contingencies.
40:58So that wouldn't necessarily be unusual.
41:00But for a specific answer on that issue, I refer you to the Department of Defense.
41:04Yes, sir.
41:06Thank you so much.
41:07Jehan Zabel from AIY News.
41:08President Trump's foreign policy like peace through strength bringing the world together,
41:13many analysts believe that it is because of these administration policies that we see
41:18more opportunities for peace in Middle East and Russia.
41:21I hope so.
41:22President Trump also made it clear that he has zero tolerance for terrorism.
41:26So when we can expect some, like, military actions against terrorist networks in Afghanistan,
41:30like we have seen in Yemen, because those terrorists are using American weapons left by
41:35Biden administration against neighboring countries like Pakistan.
41:37Yes, it's – you're seeing the breadth of what we're doing regarding and the tools
41:42we're using to deal with terrorist networks.
41:44That's been clear, I think, in every briefing.
41:47When it comes to Iran, I certainly can't speak to the nature of our choices when it comes
41:53to that country.
41:55But it's a worldwide effort.
41:57It's in both hemispheres.
42:00And in part, this is what addresses, of course, our desire to make sure that NATO is
42:04strong and reaffirming our commitment to NATO because of that area.
42:08But we also, of course, as the United States, have to deal with other areas and other major regions
42:13and the entire globe.
42:16So it is worldwide.
42:17In that particular instance, I can't give you any specifics.
42:19Yes, Eric.
42:20Go ahead.
42:21Yes, Kenny.
42:22Thank you for the question.
42:23I wanted to ask you, we saw a short time ago today President Zelenskyy speaking with reporters
42:29in Kyiv and accusing China of supplying weapons to Russia and saying that he will present detailed
42:36evidence next week.
42:38Does the U.S. have a similar assessment of China's role directly in weapons, not just
42:43technology, but actual arms support for Russia?
42:46Well, the specifics of their support, which I've spoken about a great deal when it comes
42:51to Russia and this war, as well as, as I've mentioned a few times here in this briefing,
42:56their support of Iran and particularly the Houthis.
43:00I'm not going to get into the specifics of what sectors that is in, but I think we've
43:05been very clear about our concern regarding China.
43:07Yes, ma'am.
43:08Thank you very much, Danny.
43:09A quick one on Iran.
43:10Secretary Rubio spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Haqam Fidan, on Monday over the phone, and
43:18they discussed threats posed by Iran among other issues.
43:23This is according to the State Department readout.
43:26Can you elaborate –
43:27And Pride was sent out by me, as a matter of fact.
43:30I don't know.
43:31Yes.
43:32Can you elaborate on the role Turkey is playing or could play –
43:36Oh, no, I can't.
43:38I can't.
43:39But it's a good question.
43:41What I can say is that all of our partners and allies – it is a remarkable thing to watch
43:46with all the bad guys that are out there doing things to people, horrible things.
43:51There's a lot of countries working together.
43:54It is remarkable to see the global engagement framework that exists.
43:58It's – I'm going to sound like you hippie here, but it's beautiful.
44:02It's a beautiful thing to see, and it's why we should have hope.
44:05You don't see that so much because it's quiet.
44:07We see the horrible things that emerge.
44:09But it is a remarkable network of human beings from a vast array of countries
44:15in both hemispheres that are working to make the future a better place.
44:20And it's an honor knowing that the State Department of the United States
44:24is a key element in helping to make that happen.
44:26It's beautiful.
44:27Yes, ma'am, in the back there.
44:28White jacket.
44:30Two questions for – I'm following up in Syria, actually.
44:33Should we at least expect a kind of drawdown of U.S. troops in Syria in the near future,
44:40particularly following the Iran talks?
44:42I'm sorry, a kind of what in the near future?
44:44A drawdown of U.S. troops.
44:47A drawdown.
44:48Again, I –
44:49Following the Iran talks especially.
44:50Yes, I – you know, that is something – I never really – I think you'd know if I was
44:55being coy because I don't do that well.
44:57I don't know.
44:58I would not – I don't speak for the DOD or the nature of what – the military decisions
45:04versus a department that I work for, which is about talking, which of course is good for me
45:10because I'm talking and can't shut up.
45:11So we – I can't – I can't speak to that at all.
45:15But I'm sure the DOD would have a whole array and they've got a great communications department
45:21and I'm sure they'd share with you.
45:22Okay.
45:23And the U.S. yesterday voted against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russian actions
45:29against Ukraine along with North Korea, Sudan.
45:33This marks the second time similar vote.
45:37Does this indicate that you are that optimistic about Russian intentions to end the war?
45:44Is it because you are working a peace deal or are you done with the UN?
45:49We certainly – first, I can't speak to any of those things because I wouldn't have
45:56an answer to those.
45:57I wouldn't – I just can't speak to it.
46:01But again, I do know that this is an administration that we are in the UN for a reason.
46:05It's here in the United States.
46:07It can play an important role and it has in the past and it can again.
46:13That's the bottom line truth.
46:15When it comes to how votes are done, that's again not my business and it's not something
46:21I really can speak with.
46:22All right.
46:23I think we're kind of here.
46:24I think we're done.
46:25I think we're done for today.
46:27I want to thank all of you.
46:28We will – I did not go to Paris specifically so that I could be here with you guys today.
46:34We – again, I will remind you, we are expecting a statement that would be on the record.
46:40We hope things could change very dramatically in the very early hours.
46:44So keep that in mind.
46:47As soon as we get any kind of confirmation, which has not come through, we will let certainly
46:51our bullpen know and I think the rest of you will be able to find out.
46:55But we'll see what happens.
46:58But we expect that a little later on and I will see you next Tuesday.
47:03Thank you, everyone.