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

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Hugh Hewitt that he would consider the survival of the current Iranian regime until the end of his term a personal defeat. When asked directly, he responded, "Yes, it would be a defeat. Absolutely." Trump also affirmed he would not hesitate to use military force to prevent Iran from threatening U.S. allies and vessels, stating, "No. Without any hesitation."

Trump claimed the U.S. is succeeding against Iran, noting increased oil production and complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested that if the situation were to deteriorate, he would act, 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 "war was something I had to do anyway" and that previous presidents should have acted sooner.

Trump asserted he prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling it an "evil empire" from which that option has been removed. He explained that the U.S. is not decisively ending the conflict immediately at the request of regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel, who prefer a less severe escalation. He stated Saudi Arabia specifically asked him to maintain the current situation 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 claimed Iran's military has been severely degraded, with its navy, air force, and air defense systems largely neutralized, and many of its leaders gone. He reiterated that these actions are taken to protect allies, including Israel, who prefer his current approach.

Trump detailed that if not for the restraint requested by regional nations, he would have already ordered more extensive strikes. He specified that bridges, power generation, and industrial infrastructure have largely been spared, but he could destroy them, along with all Iranian energy infrastructure, within three days if he chose to eliminate the country. He also acknowledged that Iranian assassination attempts against him influence his response, describing it as a human reaction. He accused the Iranian leadership of killing Americans and protesters but emphasized he does not hate the Iranian people, only their leadership.

These statements come amid reports of intensive mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan for an interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran, reportedly including limits on uranium enrichment, release of frozen funds, and opening the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, U.S. Central Command has reportedly updated Israeli military representatives to prepare for a potential renewal of conflict with Iran in the near future, with similar messages conveyed to Gulf states.