# Trump administration Iran policy and pardon scrutiny > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trump-administration-iran-policy-and-pardon-scrutiny > Updated: 2026-10-18T01:45:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. President Donald Trump has addressed both his use of presidential pardons and the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. In an interview, Trump stated he had not considered a self-pardon because he ‘did nothing wrong’ and declined to comment on whether he would pardon former Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle following her resignation amid misconduct allegations. Regarding Iran, Trump initially predicted that the conflict would end ‘very soon.’ However, subsequent reports have highlighted scrutiny over suspicious financial trades involving oil contracts and S&P 500 futures that occurred just before Trump announced a delay in potential attacks on Iranian energy facilities. While the Department of Justice is investigating these transactions, no direct link to the President has been established. Trump has also faced criticism for granting pardons or sentence reductions to at least 85 government officials involved in corruption cases, many of whom had ties to his political movement. On the military front, Trump has characterized the U.S.-Iran tensions as a ‘military exercise’ and suggested potential military targets related to Iran’s nuclear program, while comparing current casualties to those of the Vietnam War. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Donald Trump faces scrutiny over Iran-related trades and pardons Donald Trump faces scrutiny over suspicious multi-billion dollar trades preceding Iran policy shifts and his history of pardoning political allies in corruption cases. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-faces-scrutiny-over-iran-related-trades-and-pardons ### 2026-10-16: Donald Trump addresses self-pardon, Iran, and Kimberly Guilfoyle President Donald Trump stated he has not considered a self-pardon, expressed disappointment over Kimberly Guilfoyle's resignation, and predicted a swift end to the conflict with Iran. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-addresses-self-pardon-iran-and-kimberly-guilfoyle --- Cite as: Trump administration Iran policy and pardon scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trump-administration-iran-policy-and-pardon-scrutiny