Trump Declares Early Victory, Lebanon Asks Israel To Talk, New York Protest Attack

President Trump says The US and Israeli war with Iran is a success, but that The US will go even further. He compares the endgame to Venezuela where the leader changed while the regime stayed. How does this war end? I'm Leila Faudel. That's Stephen Skeep, and this is Up First from NPR News. Lebanon's government is asking Israel to talk. The country's president says Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into a war it did not choose. Will Israel come to the table? Also, New York mayor Zoltan Mamdani speaks of an alleged act of terrorism. New York City will never tolerate violence, whether from protests or counter protests. People were protesting the Muslim mayor. Then police say two teenagers allegedly inspired by ISIS tried to deploy improvised explosive devices. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day. This message comes from Wise, the app for international people using money around the globe. You can send, spend, and receive in up to 40 currencies with only a few simple taps. Be smart. Get wise. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and c's apply. This message comes from Harvey AI. Harvey is the AI platform trusted by more than half of the AmLaw one 100 and leading Fortune 500 legal teams. Designed specifically for law, Harvey helps attorneys research, draft, and collaborate on complex matters with precision and security. From day to day work to the highest stakes cases, Harvey is built to meet the rigor the profession demands. Harvey, AI tailored for law. Learn more at harvey.ai. This message comes from Amazon Business. Every business starts with an idea. How can you go from daydreamer to industry leader? Amazon Business accelerates your journey. With smart business buying tools, get everything you need to grow in one familiar place. From office supplies to IT essentials and maintenance tools, Amazon Business takes the familiar Amazon buying experience and adds tools that help you save costs and make inside space decisions. Ready to bring your visions to life? Learn how at amazonbusiness.com. President Trump took questions from reporters at a press conference on Monday for the first time since The US and Israeli war against Iran. The administration took several days to explain what its objectives were in this war, and Trump has given conflicting reasons for why he launched the strikes. On Monday, he said this. We're achieving major strides toward completing our military objective, and some people could say they're pretty well complete. We've wiped every single force in Iran out. That was one of several contradictory statements by the president throughout the day suggesting the war's end was near or not near. NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson has been listening to it all. Mara, good morning. Good morning. What do you make of the president's many words? I think that the dominant message was declaring victory. And after you do declare victory, you tend to look for an off ramp. He said, quote, …