President Donald Trump stated on Friday, July 31, 2026, that Americans should be ready for the fighting with Iran to continue, predicting that Tehran would eventually "peter out" as U.S. military strikes steadily diminish Iran's ability to retaliate. During a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, Trump said, "They’ll get weaker, and then they peter out," when asked if the back-and-forth attacks could persist until Iran was no longer capable of striking back.

The conflict, now in its fifth month, shows signs of dragging on despite Trump's earlier claims that the U.S. has decimated Iran’s military and his optimism about renewed negotiations. Earlier in the week, Trump described the talks as "very friendly" with a "good chance" of reaching an agreement, but his recent remarks indicate a shift toward pessimism.

The White House reported in April that U.S. forces had achieved the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which included destroying Iran’s Navy and its ballistic missile and drone capabilities. Central Command confirmed that airstrikes targeted dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, including command centers, missile and drone sites, coastal defenses, and maritime assets. Another wave of airstrikes was carried out on July 17, 2026.

Trump emphasized the diminished Iranian military capabilities, stating, "They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no anti-aircraft," though he acknowledged Iran still retains "some, but very little" capability. He also said, "We’re doing very well. We’re trying to be nice — as nice as you can be in a situation like that — but they’re being decimated."

In related developments, the U.S. Army identified two victims killed in the Jordan air base attack, with Trump vowing that Iran "will pay 'many times over.'"

Despite the ongoing conflict and fading negotiations, Trump vowed that the United States will "win" the confrontation with Iran.

Sources