07 October, 2017
Instead, he said "the world's greatest military people" were in the room, and they were going to enjoy their evening.
"You guys know what this represents?"
Talking about Iran and North Korea with reporters at the White House after meeting with military leaders, Trump said its "calm before the storm".
"Maybe it's the calm before the storm", Trump told a few reporters who were ushered into the room to photograph the assemblage.
"You'll find out", the president said.
Trump made the remark during a photo opportunity at the White House as he and First Lady Melania prepared to have dinner with military leaders and their spouses, following a meeting with the officers.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. "Thank you all for coming".
"What storm Mr. President?" one reporter shouted.
"Could be the calm before the storm", he said a second time.
Trump did not answer questions about whether he was referring to an upcoming decision he has to make about keeping the Iran nuclear deal, tensions with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, or the fight against the Islamic State extremist group.
He also said that, moving forward, he expects those in the room to provide him with "a broad range of military options, when needed, at a much faster pace".
Before the dinner, the United States leader discussed Iran and North Korea with Pentagon and other officials.
"We can not allow this dictatorship to threaten our nation or our allies with unimaginable loss of life", Trump said.
