Trump: Iran's Survival Until End of Term Would Be My Defeat

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Hugh Hewitt that he would consider the survival of the current regime in Iran until the end of his term a personal defeat. Responding directly to the question, he affirmed, "Yes, it would be a defeat. Absolutely." Trump also indicated no hesitation in using military force to prevent Iran from threatening U.S. allies and vessels, stating, "No. Without any hesitation."

Trump claimed the U.S. is performing well against Iran, producing more oil than before the conflict began, and asserted complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested that if the situation were to deteriorate, he would act decisively, potentially immediately. In a separate interview with Stephen A. Smith, Trump addressed criticism that the ongoing campaign against Iran contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections. He argued the conflict was unavoidable and that previous presidents should have acted sooner.

He further claimed to have prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling it an "evil empire" from which that capability has been removed and will be ensured not to return. Trump explained that the U.S. is not immediately concluding the conflict at the request of regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel, who wish to avoid a sharp escalation. Saudi Arabia, he noted, specifically asked for the situation to remain as it is for a while longer.

According to Trump, Iran's economy is collapsing with over 300% inflation, and Tehran struggles to pay its security forces. He asserted that Iran's military has been largely neutralized, with its navy, air force, and air defense systems diminished, and many of its leaders gone. Trump reiterated that these actions are for the protection of allies like Israel and the broader Middle East, stating those being protected prefer his current approach.

Had it not been for requests for restraint from regional nations, Trump said he would have ordered more extensive strikes, targeting infrastructure like bridges, power generation, and industrial capacity, which he believes he could destroy within three days. He also addressed Iranian assassination attempts against him, acknowledging a human response but emphasizing he does not hate the Iranian people, only their leadership, which he described as "terrible and evil."

These statements come amid reports of intensive mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan for an interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran. The proposed framework reportedly includes limiting uranium enrichment to 3.67%, releasing $6-9 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. Concurrently, U.S. Central Command has reportedly alerted Israeli military representatives to prepare for a potential renewal of conflict with Iran in the near future, with similar messages conveyed to Gulf states.