US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on September 4 that the ongoing situation with Iran is merely a "military conflict," not a full-scale war, and poses little challenge for the United States.
"Many people don't call it war. I call it a military conflict, because it's just a small matter for us," Trump stated. This comment followed similar remarks from his subordinate, Vice President JD Vance, who had described the US-Iran situation by saying, "I would not call it a war." Trump further minimized the situation, adding, "It's not a major issue. We have resolved the Venezuela problem, and we will handle this one too."
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US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on September 4. AFP
The Middle East conflict has spanned nearly six months, resulting in the deaths of 18 US service members and thousands of Iranians. It has reached a stalemate as Tehran consistently obstructed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This week, US forces launched new strikes targeting Iranian positions, stating the operations aimed to prevent potential mine-laying by the adversary in the strait.
Trump indicated that the US is conducting intermittent airstrikes and affirmed the nation "is not currently engaged in combat." He reiterated his claim that the US has effectively controlled the Strait of Hormuz and suppressed Iranian forces. "What we have achieved is truly astonishing," he stated. "We have taken over Venezuela and essentially controlled Iran."
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Location of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Guardian
When reporters pressed him on labeling the conflict a "small matter," despite the deaths of 18 US service members, President Trump asserted that the terminology was unimportant. "What matters is the tangible success we have achieved. The US has prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," he affirmed.
The Trump administration is seeking to de-escalate the conflict with Iran. This comes as rising fuel prices threaten the Republican party's control of Congress in the November midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the US president was discussing with senior advisors whether to declare the conflict with Iran over. Last week, he posted a photo of a banner featuring the words "Mission Accomplished."
By Thanh Tam (AFP, Reuters)
