On March 10, 2026, nearly two weeks after the US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran, President Donald Trump stated from his Doral golf club that military objectives were «largely achieved», while refusing to end bombings. He praised the operation's progress, threatened Iranian energy infrastructure if needed, downplayed oil price spikes, and expressed disappointment over Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as new supreme leader following his father Ali's death in the initial strikes.
On March 10, 2026, during his first press conference since the US and Israel initiated joint strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury on February 28—which targeted nuclear sites, ballistic missiles, and leadership including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's compound—Donald Trump spoke from his Doral golf club in Florida. He claimed military objectives were «largely achieved», stating: «We have annihilated all Iranian forces, very comprehensively, and most naval forces have been sunk». Trump described the operation as progressing «very decisively» and «ahead of the initial schedule» of four to five weeks.
He justified the strikes by Iran's «imminent threat», crediting advisors Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Pete Hegseth, and Marco Rubio. Trump reiterated: «If we hadn't struck them, they would take control of the Middle East and try to destroy Israel». Over 5,000 targets have been hit, including drone and missile capabilities, but he did not announce an end to operations, threatening: «We could destroy all [energy infrastructure] in a single day» if Iran persists.
Trump downplayed surging oil prices, which hit 120 dollars per barrel before retreating, citing US domestic reserves and a Venezuela partnership. He promised tanker insurance in the Gulf and an «incalculable» response if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz. He voiced disappointment over Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Ali Khamenei's successor—confirmed after the supreme leader's death in initial strikes—predicting «more problems». Trump denied rifts with Vice President JD Vance on the engagement.
This ambiguity heightens uncertainty, as Iranian Revolutionary Guards claim they will decide the conflict's outcome.
