President Donald Trump stated Friday that Americans should prepare for continued conflict with Iran, predicting that U.S. strikes will progressively weaken Tehran's military capabilities until they "peter out." The remarks indicate a potential for a prolonged engagement, contrasting with earlier optimism about renewed negotiations.
During a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, Trump acknowledged the possibility of ongoing exchanges, stating, "You always have to keep your guard up." He expressed confidence in the U.S. strategy, asserting, "They’ll get weaker, and then they peter out." He also reiterated the administration's stance, "I think we just want to win. We’re doing very well. We’re trying to be nice — as nice as you can be in a situation like that — but they’re being decimated."
Trump described Iran's military as severely diminished, claiming, "They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no anti-aircraft." However, he conceded that Iran retains some residual capabilities, stating, "It doesn’t mean they don’t have any capability. They have some, but very little."
These statements come amid the ongoing conflict, which has seen renewed exchanges of fire. U.S. Central Command reported carrying out a significant wave of airstrikes on Friday against Iranian military sites in response to missile attacks targeting American forces in the region. The strikes reportedly hit numerous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets, including command centers, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities.
The current hostilities follow the collapse of an agreement reached in June that aimed to end the fighting and restore commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Hostilities resumed in July after Iran launched attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
Trump also voiced diminished faith in reaching a diplomatic resolution, accusing Iran of dishonesty in negotiations. "They do lie, and they do misrepresent. All they do is make me angry," he said.
The conflict's continuation presents a political challenge for the Trump administration as it approaches the November midterm elections, increasing pressure to define an endgame for the hostilities. Earlier in the week, Trump had described the U.S. engagement with Iran as "very friendly negotiations" with a "good chance" of reaching an agreement, though Iran denied direct talks were occurring, acknowledging only that mediators were relaying messages.
Efforts by Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt to revive the June agreement have stalled due to disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran's nuclear program. The recent escalation in attacks has further reduced the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough.