Donald Trump said Monday that the U.S. war with Iran could be a “short-term excursion,” signaling the 10 day conflict may be nearing an end even as he warned that the United States would escalate attacks if Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Republican lawmakers and donors at his resort near Miami, Trump said the military campaign had already achieved major objectives.
“We took a little excursion because we felt we had to do that to get rid of some evil,” Trump said. “I think you’ll see it’s going to be a short-term excursion.”
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Republicans are gathering for a multi-day strategy retreat focused on legislative priorities and preparations for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, which have been overshadowed by the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East.
War may end soon, but escalation remains possible
Trump later reiterated at a news conference that the conflict could end soon, but he declined to provide a timeline when pressed by reporters.
“This was just an excursion into something that had to be done. We’re getting very close to finishing that,” he said.
Trump’s comments appeared to contrast with remarks from Pete Hegseth, his defense secretary, who said in an interview with 60 Minutes that the attacks against Iran were “only just the beginning.”
Asked about the apparent difference, Trump suggested both assessments could be accurate.
“We could call it a tremendous success right now, or we could go further, and we’re going to go further,” Trump said.
Oil markets react to conflict
The fighting has already rattled global energy markets.
Crude oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July 2022, reflecting fears that the conflict could threaten oil supplies moving through the Persian Gulf.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to $3.48, up from $2.90 just a month earlier.
Much of the market concern centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping channel between Iran and Oman that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Warning to Iran over key shipping route
Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to restrict traffic through the strait would trigger overwhelming U.S. military retaliation.
“So the Strait of Hormuz is going to remain safe,” Trump said. “We have a lot of Navy ships there.”
He added that the United States would respond with devastating force if Iran attacked vessels in the waterway.
“We will hit them so hard it will not be possible for them or anybody else helping them ever recover that section of the world,” Trump said.
Later Monday, Trump repeated the threat in a post on Truth Social, warning Iran would be struck “twenty times harder” if it interferes with oil shipments.
Questions remain over deadly school strike
Trump was also asked about a video circulating online that appears to show a Tomahawk cruise missile striking an area where more than 170 people were reportedly killed at a girls’ school in Iran.
Trump said he had not seen the footage and suggested, without presenting evidence, that the missile could have been launched by Iran or another country.
“The Tomahawk is sold and used by other countries,” Trump said.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Defense have said the strike is still under investigation.
“Whatever the report shows, I’m willing to live with that report,” Trump said.
Differences within administration
Trump also acknowledged that JD Vance, his vice president, had been somewhat less enthusiastic about striking Iran.
“He was philosophically a little bit different than me,” Trump said, though he added that the two remain aligned on the broader strategy.
“I felt it was something we had to do,” Trump said.
Rising U.S. casualties
The conflict has already taken a toll on American forces.
Seven U.S. service members have been killed in the war so far, while another died in the region after suffering a medical emergency, according to officials.
Trump said he met with families of fallen troops during a visit to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
“They all had one thing in common,” Trump said. “They said to me: ‘Finish the job, sir. Please finish the job.’”
