US President Donald Trump has made a series of public threats regarding military action against Iran, which he has often retracted. His comments have shifted significantly since the conflict began on February 28, 2026. Trump has claimed victory over Iran's military capabilities, only to later adjust his statements about the timeline of military actions and threats.
On March 21, Trump threatened to obliterate Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully opened within 48 hours. He later extended this deadline and paused military actions due to diplomatic talks. On April 5, he issued a profanity-laden warning regarding the Strait, and on April 7, he made a statement interpreted as a threat to Iran's population but then agreed to a two-week truce.
In June, Trump announced that the US would strike Iran but later canceled the planned attacks, citing progress in negotiations. By July 31, he indicated that the US would hit Iran hard, but on August 1, he claimed that Iran had requested a halt to attacks, a statement that was denied by Iranian state media.