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Q    What’s going on with Iran?  Are you worried about a war there?  Or do you want negotiations or what?

THE PRESIDENT:  So, with Iran, we’ll see what happens.  But they’ve been very hostile.  They’ve truly been the number-one provocateur of terror in this country and in the — you know, representing their country.  But certainly, our country has been very much involved because we’re trying to help a lot of people out.  And I don’t mind that at all.

We have no indication that anything has happened or will happen.  But if it does, it will be met, obviously, with great force.  We’ll have no choice.

Q    (Inaudible) negotiations with them?  Any talks with them?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say it?

Q    Any negotiations with Iran?

THE PRESIDENT:  We have not — we’ve not talked about it.  We’ll see what happens.  If they called, we would certainly negotiate.  But that’s going to be up to them.  I’d only want them to call if they’re ready.  If they’re not ready, they don’t have to bother.

Q    Will you continue to apply economic sanctions to Iran?  Or are you going to pause it to try and deescalate tensions right now?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, we’ll see what happens.  But right now, we have very strong sanctions.  We’ll see what happens.

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Q    Do you mean there is no — you don’t see anything going on right now from the Iranian side?  Is that what you just said?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say it again?

Q    Did you mean, right now, what you said that —

THE PRESIDENT:  There are no talks going on with Iran.

Q    What Iran might or might not be up to — do you see any threats right now?  Do you see any threats?

THE PRESIDENT:  I think Iran would be making a very big mistake if they did anything.  If they do something, it’ll be met with great force.  But we have no indication that they will.  Okay?

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