President Donald Trump declared that it will take Iran "several years" to recover from the strike launched by the United States. In a conversation with Axios, he outlined his strategies for concluding the military action known as Operation Epic Fury.
"In any scenario, they will need several years to recover from this strike," Trump stated during a brief phone interview from Mar-a-Lago.
During this exchange, the president mentioned various "exit ramps" he is considering, ranging from expanding the operation to "taking care of everything," to wrapping it up in two or three days and returning later with new ultimatums regarding Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Axios suggests that these comments provide "the first real insight" into Trump's thoughts on how the operation might conclude, indicating that he may still be open to a diplomatic resolution, despite the collapse of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva, according to the report.
Trump's Rationale for the Attack
The report also underscores that a swift conclusion to the campaign followed by fresh ultimatums would be a different outcome from the regime change that—according to Axios—some U.S. and Israeli officials have described as a goal.
Trump explained to Axios two primary reasons for initiating the offensive. Firstly, the failure of recent negotiations led by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, asserting that the Iranians "approached and then withdrew" repeatedly, leading him to conclude they "really don't want a deal."
The second reason, he stated, was Iran's behavior over "the last few decades." Trump claimed he asked his team to compile a record of attacks linked to Iran over the past 25 years and concluded that "every month they did something wrong," according to the article.
According to the text, the United States and Israel have launched their most ambitious military operation in the Middle East in a generation, aimed not only at degrading Iran's military capabilities but at creating conditions that could topple the regime.
Operation's Strategic Developments
The operational plan, Axios notes, citing a high-ranking U.S. official, envisages that the massive bombing campaign will last at least five days, although this timeline could change depending on developments on the ground.
Axios highlights that the progression of the operation also hinges on the fate of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom Israel—according to the text—had targeted for assassination along with other senior officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday afternoon there is "increasing evidence" that Khamenei was killed following an Israeli strike on his complex, as reported.
Trump, meanwhile, mentioned having spoken with Netanyahu after the joint operation commenced. "I had a very interesting conversation with Bibi; we are on the same wavelength," he said, according to Axios.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump also held talks with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Iran Strike
Why did Trump order the strike on Iran?
Trump cited two main reasons: the failure of recent negotiations led by his envoys, which he believed showed Iran's lack of interest in reaching a deal, and Iran's hostile actions over the past decades.
What are the potential outcomes of Operation Epic Fury?
The operation could either lead to a quick conclusion with new ultimatums or escalate into a broader campaign possibly aiming for regime change in Iran.