Out of town pool report #7: Wheels down at JBA

AF1 touched down at JBA at 8:34pm ET. POTUD came back to gaggle toward the end of the flight. Here are some highlights:

POTUS said he is speaking with a number of countries about forming a coalition that would police the Strait of Hormuz. He would not specify which countries he’s spoken with.

Said China is “an interesting case study” when asked if China was involved but did not confirm they were involved.

He said the operation would “start immediately” once the coalition is formed.

“I really am demanding that these countries come in and take their own territory because it really is their own territory. It’s the place from which they get their own energy.”

On whether he’s ready to declare victory in Iran: “No, I’m not going to do that. There’s no reason to. I just say they’re decimated…if we left right now, it would take them 10 years and more to rebuild but I’m still not declaring it.”

On Cuba: “Cuba also wants to make a deal. Andy think we will pretty soon make a deal or do whatever we have to do.”

“I think something will happen with Cuba pretty quickly.”

—

Julia Manchester

White House Correspondent, The Hill

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