President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. will launch “bigger, more powerful” strikes against Iran and expressed interest in seizing control of the country’s primary oil export hub.
Trump made the statements during a morning appearance on “Fox & Friends,” hours after recent American military operations in the region. The president described the Iranian regime as “decimated” and said additional airstrikes would occur “tonight” or in the “not too distant future.”
What Trump Said
“There will be more bombing tonight. It will be bigger – bigger, more powerful,” Trump stated during the interview. He detailed damage inflicted on Iranian military capabilities following the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claimed Iran’s navy, air force, radar systems and air defenses have been severely compromised. “The regime has been decimated,” he said, noting that both crew members from the downed helicopter were rescued after an Iranian drone failed to detonate between the pilots.
“We’re talking to them and all,” Trump said regarding ongoing peace discussions, while emphasizing his preference for military action over extended diplomacy. “They’re really in submission, they just don’t know it yet.”
The Kharg Island Plan
Trump outlined a long-term strategic objective centered on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export facility responsible for the majority of the country’s petroleum shipments. “My preference would be that we will be taking Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points and assume total control of their oil and gas markets,” the president said.
He acknowledged potential obstacles to this approach, stating, “I don’t know that America has the stomach for it, to be honest.” Trump suggested that controlling Iranian oil infrastructure could yield significant economic benefits while limiting the regime’s ability to fund regional activities.
Administration Position
White House and Pentagon officials indicated that operations remain focused on reducing Iran’s capacity to threaten American forces and global energy supplies. The administration reported that recent Iranian retaliation attempts caused no damage to U.S. assets in the region.
Trump pushed back against media coverage he described as inaccurate, arguing that targeted strikes on military sites minimize civilian harm while protecting American interests. “I’d rather not” hit bridges and power plants, he said, prioritizing military objectives.
Trump stressed that the conflict is “not an endless war,” reiterating his commitment to decisive outcomes rather than prolonged military engagement in the region.
This story has been updated. CNN’s international security team contributed to this report.
