President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the ongoing war between the United States and Iran could be nearing its conclusion, telling reporters that major military objectives have largely been achieved even as some officials in Washington indicate the fight is far from over.
Speaking at a press conference at his Miami resort following remarks to House Republicans at their annual retreat, Trump was asked when the conflict might end.
“Very soon,” Trump said. “Look, everything they have is gone, including their leadership.”
The president’s comments came amid rapid developments in Iran’s leadership and continued scrutiny of the U.S.-led military campaign. Over the weekend, Iran’s ruling clerics selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei. The move is widely viewed as a signal that Iran’s governing establishment intends to maintain its current political direction despite the ongoing conflict.
Here are five major takeaways from Trump’s press conference.
Trump backs ‘internal’ regime change in Iran
Trump said he prefers an “internal” shift in Iran’s leadership rather than a full-scale dismantling of the country’s governing system.
“I think we’ve proven that so far,” Trump said when describing his preferred approach. “In Venezuela, we have a woman, Delcy, who has been president of the country, very respected, very — doing a great job. And it’s, you know, no disruption.”
The president suggested that working with figures already inside Iran’s political structure would avoid the chaos that followed the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
“We had, as you remember Iraq, where everybody got fired. The military got fired, the police got fired, the politicians got fired. There was nobody. And you know what they turned into? ISIS. And we don’t want that. We don’t want that. So I would like to see people that are inside,” Trump said.
Trump added he was “disappointed” by Iran’s choice of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader, warning that it would likely lead to “more of the same problem for the country.” He also suggested Iran should consider installing a new president to replace current leader Masoud Pezeshkian, who was elected in 2024 and is viewed as a relatively reform-minded figure.
Trump claims Iran using Tomahawks, eases off blame for school bombing
Trump also addressed the deadly late-February strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, which killed more than 160 people, many of them children. The attack occurred near a naval base operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Asked about reports that a Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the strike, Trump said Iran may possess the weapons.
“Well, I haven’t seen it, and I will say that the Tomahawk, which is one of the most powerful weapons around, is used by, you know, is sold and used by other countries. You know that. And whether it’s Iran, who also has some Tomahawks,” Trump said.
However, the president did not present evidence that Iran possesses the long-range missiles, which are primarily associated with the U.S. military and produced by Raytheon.
Later in the press conference, Trump softened earlier comments that appeared to blame Iran for the attack.
“Because I just don’t know enough about it,” he said. “I think it’s something that I was told is under investigation, but Tomahawks are used by others.”
Trump added that he would accept the findings of the investigation once it concludes.
Trump calls Iran war an ‘excursion’
During the press conference, Trump characterized the military campaign against Iran as an “excursion” and signaled he wants to wrap up combat operations relatively soon.
Asked whether the fighting might end within days, Trump said no but reiterated that it would conclude “very soon.”
He argued the U.S. has already achieved its primary objectives, claiming American forces have destroyed much of Iran’s military infrastructure.
Trump said the U.S. had “wiped out” Iran’s forces, sunk its navy, destroyed its air force, and disabled its radar, drone, and missile capabilities.
Despite those assertions, messaging from the Pentagon appeared less definitive. A Pentagon-run social media account posted Monday: “We have Only Just Begun to Fight,” alongside an image of a launched missile with the words “No Mercy.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a similar message during an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes that aired Sunday.
“What I want your viewers to understand is this is only just the beginning,” Hegseth said.
Trump says Putin ‘wants to be helpful’
Trump also described a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “very good,” saying the Russian leader expressed interest in helping stabilize the situation in the Middle East.
“I said that you can be more helpful by getting the Ukraine, Russia war over with,” Trump said.
“That will be more helpful. But we had a very good talk, and he wants to be very constructive.”
Trump did not address reports that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran to help target American forces. At least eight U.S. troops have been killed since the conflict began nine days ago.
Trump downplays oil concerns from Strait of Hormuz disruption
Trump also sought to reassure Americans that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz would not significantly impact the United States.
“I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the globe’s oil supply,” he said. “And if Iran does anything to do that, they’ll get hit at a much, much harder level.”
The strategic waterway has been largely closed to commercial shipping since the conflict began, sending energy markets into turmoil. U.S. gas prices have risen about 17 percent since the fighting started.
Still, Trump argued the disruption would affect other countries more severely.
“With all of that, it affects other countries much more than it does the United States,” he said. “Doesn’t really affect us. We have so much oil. We have tremendous oil and gas — much more than we need.”
Trump added that the United States now considers Venezuela a key energy partner, saying the relationship has “worked out so wonderful.”
