Trump said in a national address that the United States is “nearing completion” of its core strategic objectives under what he described as Operation Epic Fury, nearly five weeks into the conflict.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” he said, adding that US forces had delivered “swift, decisive, overwhelming victories.”
Despite this, Trump signaled that the most intense phase of the campaign may still lie ahead.
“We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” he said, warning that Iran would face further devastation if US objectives are not fully secured.
The escalation follows the launch of joint US-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, which have triggered a broader regional confrontation. The conflict has killed more than 1,300 people in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to earlier reports.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military assets, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Trump also acknowledged US casualties, saying 13 American service members had been killed and more than 300 injured since the start of operations.
He said diplomatic contacts with Tehran remain ongoing but warned of severe consequences if talks fail.
The United States could strike Iran’s power infrastructure “very hard, and probably simultaneously,” he said, adding that oil facilities — so far avoided — remain a potential target.
“We have not hit their oil … because it would not give them even a small chance of survival or rebuilding,” Trump said. “But we could hit it.”
Turning to global energy flows, Trump dismissed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the US no longer depends on the vital shipping lane.
He urged countries reliant on Gulf oil supplies to secure the route themselves, saying Iran had already been “decimated” militarily and economically.
“The hard part is done,” he said. “When this conflict is over, the Strait will open up naturally.”