US President Donald Trump on 10 October publicly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a major oil agreement that involves significant diesel supplies flowing into the United States, defending the deal against criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaving open the possibility of further American military action against Iran.

Trump made the remarks to reporters at the White House before departing for a political rally in Syracuse, New York, describing the Russian energy agreement as consequential for American energy supplies and global oil markets.

Trump's Own Words on the Deal

'By the way, I think you heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country. And I want to thank President Putin to be honest with you,' Trump told reporters. He added: 'We have massive amounts of oil being coming into our country and it's diesel, which is what we want. So thank you.'

Trump also claimed the arrangement was already exerting downward pressure on energy prices. 'Look, we need it. Oil prices are already dropping like a rock, so we're very happy to get it,' he said.

Zelensky's Criticism and Trump's Pushback

A reporter at the briefing cited criticism from Zelensky, who was described as having called Trump weak over the agreement. Trump defended the necessity of securing energy supplies and emphasised the strategic importance of diesel for the American economy, without directly addressing Zelensky's characterisation.

The exchange underscores the deepening rift between Washington and Kyiv over US energy policy, coming at a moment when Ukraine continues to seek sustained Western support against Russia's ongoing military campaign.

Iran: Military Action Not Ruled Out

On Iran, Trump declined to rule out additional US military action when pressed by reporters. He portrayed Iran as severely weakened, claiming its military capabilities had been degraded. 'The military is defeated. They have no Navy. They have no Air Force,' Trump said, adding that Iran was reportedly experiencing inflation of 300 per cent. He did not provide sourcing for either claim.

When asked why further military action was being linked to the midterm election calendar rather than pursued immediately, Trump did not give a direct answer, keeping strategic ambiguity intact.

Riyadh Airport Attack and Fort Hood Execution

Trump also reacted to a reported attack on an airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expressing clear disapproval. 'No good. It's not a good thing. I'm not happy,' he said.

Separately, Trump addressed questions about the Fort Hood shooter and the possibility of livestreaming the convict's execution. Asked whether broadcast footage could be exploited for extremist propaganda, Trump said his primary concern was that the death sentence be carried out. 'So I really don't care how he goes as long as he goes. And I think that the death penalty is a very worthy way of going for him,' he said.

What It Means Going Forward

The Russia-US oil agreement — still light on publicly disclosed terms — marks a notable shift in Washington's posture toward Moscow at a time when most Western allies continue to maintain sanctions pressure on Russian energy exports. How the deal interacts with existing US sanctions frameworks, and whether Congress pushes back, will be closely watched in the days ahead.