President's Commentary

The attention of the world has been on the U.S.-Iran conflict and the negotiations underway during this 60-day period. However, the larger picture appears to be that the United States has reshaped the flashpoints to our advantage. Regarding Iran, I am not hopeful of a long-term resolution as that nation's leadership has an almost five-decade track record of bad faith negotiations. But, they are also dealing (for the first time) with a U.S. administration that actually uses ""all the options on the table."

Additionally, the major oil producers in the region are rapidly building pipelines to get crude oil to market without shipping it through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's leverage at that choke point is a diminishing asset.

Ukraine and Russia's war grinds on but Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory is expanding the battlefield to their advantage. Regrettably, I predict that war only ends when Mr. Putin dies (or is assassinated) and not before.

Here at home our nation's 250th Birthday hopefully reminds all of us that this remarkable journey has not been perfect but has been a successful and never-ending journey towards a more perfect Union."