Trump Tells Pentagon Chief He Does Not Want War With Iran

President Trump has told his acting defense secretary, Patrick Shanahan, that he does not want to go to war with Iran, according to several administration officials, in a message to his hawkish aides that an intensifying American pressure campaign against the clerical-led government in Tehran must not escalate into open conflict.

Mr. Trump’s statement, during a Wednesday morning meeting in the Situation Room, came during a briefing on the rising tensions with Iran. American intelligence has indicated that Iran has placed missiles on small boats in the Persian Gulf, prompting fears that Tehran may strike at United States troops and assets or those of its allies.

"Our nation has a proud history of affording protection to those fleeing government persecutions. Unfortunately, legitimate asylum seekers are being displaced by those lodging frivolous claims," Trump said in a Rose Garden speech. "My plan expedites relief for legitimate asylum seekers by screening out the merit-less claims. If you have a proper claim, you will quickly be admitted. If you don't, you will promptly be returned home."

Immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship legally should also be held to a strict, point-based merit standard, Trump said. Under his plan, the younger and more educated a person is, the more likely they are to have their applications approved. Points would also be added for having a "valuable skill, an offer of employment, an advanced education or a plan to create jobs."

Immigrants would have to prove they're financially self-sufficient, learn English, and pass a civics exam prior to entry into the country.