Trump Vows Iran War Near End, Threatens Tariffs on Europe Over Canada
The president also called a potential EU associate membership for Canada 'laughable' and warned of significant trade repercussions.
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the conflict in Iran is nearing its conclusion and simultaneously warned of substantial new tariffs on Europe if Canada were to join the European Union as an associate member, an idea he dismissed as "laughable."
Speaking to reporters ahead of a midterm election campaign appearance, Trump indicated a desire for a diplomatic resolution in the Middle East. "Hopefully we’re toward the end of the war," he said. "They want to make a deal, and we’ll see how that works out."
The president's remarks followed a vote in the House of Representatives earlier this week approving a war powers resolution aimed at halting further military action in Iran without congressional approval, except in cases of imminent attack on the U.S. or its allies. The resolution passed 220-204, with some Republicans joining Democrats in the vote. However, such resolutions have not advanced to the president's desk, and Trump has indicated he would veto any measure limiting his military authority.
Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat who supported the resolution, criticized the administration's handling of the conflict, questioning the duration of the war. Conversely, Republican Rep. Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the president's stance, stating Trump is against "forever wars" and is working to end long-standing hostilities with Iran, which he described as a continuous threat to the United States.
Meanwhile, the House has been considering actions against War Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Rep. Thomas Massie introducing articles of impeachment. Massie accused Hegseth of unlawfully continuing military operations in Iran without proper congressional authorization. The Pentagon's Inspector General reported that the war in Iran has cost the U.S. at least $33.4 billion, with hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft unaccounted for.
On the international trade front, Trump reacted strongly to a proposal by European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed a desire to elevate the relationship with Canada to its highest level by making it the first associate member of the EU. Von der Leyen made the announcement during her State of the Union speech, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney present.
However, the proposal was met with surprise and skepticism from EU diplomats who stated they had not been briefed on the initiative and that "associate membership" does not formally exist within the EU framework. Diplomats described the announcement as potentially "bombastic" and "over-reach," suggesting that while deepening relations with Canada is welcome, the specifics of such a proposal would require member state consensus. Trump's warning of significant tariffs on Europe underscored his administration's approach to trade relationships and potential geopolitical realignments.