Nowhere Coffee Co.
Emmaus, Pennsylvania

3:06 P.M. EST

Q    Do you have a message for Iran, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ve already delivered the message to Iran.  They know not to do anything.

Q    Are we in a de facto proxy war with Iran?

Q    Will you continue bombing the Houthis if the attacks don’t stop, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say that again.

Q    Will you continue bombing the Houthis if the attacks don’t stop?  Will you continue with the strikes, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behavior, along with our allies.

Q    Do you have confidence in Secretary Austin?

THE PRESIDENT:  I do.

Q    Was it a lapse in judgment for him not to tell you earlier?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

Q    Are we in a de facto proxy war with Iran?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say again.

Q    Are we in a de facto proxy war with Iran?

THE PRESIDENT:  No. 

Q    Are you willing to call the Houthis —

THE PRESIDENT:  Iran does not want a war with us.

Q    Are you willing to call the Houthis a terrorist group, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  I think they are.

Q    Was the strike successful last night, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  It was very — I don’t think there’s any civilian casualties.  That’s another reason why it’s a success.

So, look, we’re going to get a chance to talk, apparently, at the — after the fire station.  So, rather than —

By the way, anybody want a coffee?  It’s on me.  (Laughter.)  All right?

Q    I’ll take a smoothie.

THE PRESIDENT:  You’ll take a smoothie?  Well, they’re six bucks, but I’ll do it anyway.  (Laughter.)

Seriously, if anybody here wants anything, I’ll pay for it.  Okay?

MR. VARGAS:  That’s very generous of you.

(The tour of Nowhere Coffee Co. continues.)

THE PRESIDENT:  But I’ll be doing — talking with you all after the firefighters.  Okay?

Q    Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

By the way, we’re almost in heaven.  We’re almost in Scranton. 

3:09 P.M. EST