President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the US is close to meeting its objectives in the conflict with Iran and is considering winding down operations. He listed five key goals, including degrading Iran's missile capabilities and protecting regional allies. The announcement comes as the war enters its third week amid rising oil prices.
On Friday evening, March 20, 2026, while aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about progress in the US-led military campaign against Iran. He wrote, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.” Trump outlined five specific objectives: (1) completely degrading Iranian missile capability, launchers, and related assets; (2) destroying Iran’s defense industrial base; (3) eliminating its navy and air force, including anti-aircraft weaponry; (4) preventing Iran from nearing nuclear capability while maintaining US readiness to respond; and (5) protecting Middle Eastern allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He added that other nations should police the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil transits, once Iran's threat is eradicated, with US assistance if requested but not required. The conflict, now in its third week, follows the June 2025 “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which damaged nuclear sites at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. “Operation Epic Fury” has since struck thousands of targets, including IRGC command centers, missile and drone sites, air defenses, ballistic missile facilities, and military positions on Kharg Island. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states, while blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is Iran's new leader but has not appeared publicly. Last week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated during a briefing, “Iran’s leadership is … underground, cowering. That’s what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured.” Oil prices continue to rise amid the disruptions.
