Trump calls Iran conflict a 'soft war,' insists US holds the cards ahead of midterm elections
Trump called the Iran conflict a "soft war" on "Hannity" just hours after the United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
TL;DR
- President Trump described the conflict with Iran as a "soft war" that the U.S. can end at any time.
- His comments were made the day before the midterm elections, with the Iran conflict being a potential issue for voters.
- Trump downplayed the intensity of the conflict, noting the lack of recent significant engagements.
- The U.S. conducted a defensive strike on Iran's Qeshm Island after Iran fired at a U.S. aircraft.
- Trump warned of "consequences" for Iran if peace talks fail, referencing potential military actions like "Midnight Hammer" and "Pickaxe Mountain."
- The financial cost of the war, estimated at over $47 billion, has emerged as a political liability for Republicans.
- Trump dismissed the cost as "peanuts" and emphasized the U.S. aim to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons.
- He claimed Iran's military capabilities have been significantly degraded.