The key facts

  • Trump said the US has 'hit hard' at Iran and may continue strikes.
  • According to NYT, plans for new strikes have been drawn up for the period after the midterm elections, but their approval is uncertain.
  • The US and Israel war against Iran began on February 28; a June memorandum of peace fell apart over disagreements.

Trump's Statements

US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday before departing for a campaign rally in Iowa, suggested that strikes on Iran could continue. According to him, the US has 'knocked the hell out of them,' and 'we may do a little bit more of it.' He added that, in his view, the 'Iranian war' should have been carried out by previous presidents 'a long time ago.'

Public Reaction and the Cost of War

Answering a question about the public's attitude toward the war, Trump said: 'In one sense they love it, because I'm doing what other presidents should have done. In another sense, maybe not.' He acknowledged that 'there's a price to pay,' which, he said, he knew about from the start, but added that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

Talks and Plans for New Strikes

On Wednesday, Trump said that Washington is not holding talks with Tehran and that 'something, one way or another,' will happen 'pretty soon.' The New York Times reported that the US and Israeli militaries have developed plans to resume strikes on Iran after the midterm elections; however, according to the outlet, it is far from certain that Trump will approve them.

Context of the Conflict

The US and Israel began the war against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran carried out missile and drone attacks in the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global energy supplies. In June, a memorandum of understanding was signed, intended to pave the way to a final peace agreement, but it fell apart over disagreements, including over shipping through the strait.