The president signaled that U.S. military operations will intensify with fresh strikes expected that very night, while floating a bold long-term plan to seize control of the regimeâs critical oil infrastructure.
In the wide-ranging interview, Trump painted a picture of a âdecimatedâ Iranian regime that has lost much of its offensive capability.
He also blasted âcrookedâ media coverage that downplays American successes and exaggerates difficulties.
The president, speaking hours after recent U.S. airstrikes, made clear his administration remains committed to ending the threat from Tehran without turning the operation into an endless quagmire.
âThe United States will be hitting Iran very hard tonight at some point in the not too distant future,â Trump stated directly.
He added that strikes would ramp up: âThere will be more bombing tonight. It will be bigger â bigger, more powerful.â
Trump detailed the damage already inflicted on Iranian forces following the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
âThe regime has been decimated,â he said, noting that Iranâs navy, air force, radar systems, air defenses, and much of its offensive capability are âcompletely GONE.â
He described the precision of recent operations, including how an Iranian drone lodged between the two pilots of the downed Apache but failed to explode, allowing both crew members to be rescued.
Administration officials echoed the presidentâs assessment of progress.
Senior figures highlighted that the U.S. has conducted multiple rounds of targeted strikes on military sites in response to Iranian aggression, including the helicopter incident.
Peace talks continue in the background, but Trump emphasized that Iran has âhad a chanceâ and appears to be stalling.
âWeâre talking to them and all,â he noted, while stressing his preference for decisive action over prolonged diplomacy.
Central to Trumpâs vision is the strategic prize of Kharg Island, Iranâs primary oil export hub responsible for the vast majority of its petroleum shipments.
âMy preference has always been â take Kharg Island ⌠my preference would be that,â the president told Fox News.
âWe will be taking Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points and assume total control of their oil and gas markets,â he added.
He acknowledged the potential challenges, saying, âI donât know that America has the stomach for it, to be honest,â but suggested it could yield enormous economic benefits while crippling the regimeâs funding for terrorism.
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Trump contrasted his approach with past administrations, which he accused of weakness that allowed Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions and regional destabilization.
He expressed confidence that the current campaign is nearing its goals.
âTheyâre really in submission, they just donât know it yet,â he remarked, adding that the U.S. dropped â$250 million worth of bombsâ in a recent operation.
The president also pushed back against media narratives portraying the conflict as spiraling out of control.
He argued that targeted strikes avoid unnecessary civilian suffering while protecting American interests and allies, including freedom of navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
âIâd rather notâ hit bridges and power plants, Trump said, prioritizing military targets to minimize broader humanitarian impact.
White House and Pentagon sources indicated that operations remain focused on degrading Iranâs ability to threaten U.S. forces and global energy supplies.
Recent actions included intercepting Iranian retaliation attempts, which caused no damage to American assets in the region.
Trump reiterated that the conflict is ânot an endless war,â aligning with his long-standing promise of decisive victories rather than nation-building.
