Trump Calls Iran Conflict a ‘Soft War’ Before Midterms
Trump told Fox News the Iran conflict is a 'soft war' the US can end anytime, as voters head to the polls amid high gas prices and a $47 billion price tag.
President Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran is not a “forever war” but a “soft war” that the United States could end whenever it chooses, speaking on Fox News the night before midterm elections. His remarks came hours after U.S. forces struck Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, a strike officials described as defensive and not a return to full-scale military action.
What happened
Trump made the comments Monday on “Hannity,” telling host Sean Hannity that the U.S. has not fired on Iran in months and that the situation falls short of a traditional war. “This isn’t a war, this is a very soft war,” he said, comparing it with World Wars I and II.
The appearance followed a U.S. strike on Qeshm Island after Iran fired at a U.S. aircraft. Officials told Fox News the response was defensive and did not signal a resumption of full-blown strikes. Trump said he was in no hurry to restart military action but warned Iran would face “the hammer” if the current round of peace talks fails.
He also cited Operation Midnight Hammer, saying it had destroyed Iran’s potential nuclear power, and mentioned Pickaxe Mountain as a possible future target that could be hit “in literally one hour.” He said there is “a very good chance” of a deal because Iran wants one badly.
The conflict, now eight months old, has become a political liability for Republicans. The Pentagon estimates it has cost taxpayers more than $47 billion. Trump dismissed that figure as “peanuts,” arguing the war was necessary to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. He described Iran’s military, navy, air force and air defenses as gone, with limited missile and drone production capacity.
Why it matters
Iran is a key issue for voters going to the polls Tuesday, as Americans deal with surging gas prices and the economic fallout of the conflict. A Fox News poll found 71% think the administration lacks a plan to end the war. That suggests the cost and direction of the conflict could weigh on Republican candidates. Trump’s framing appears aimed at reassuring voters that the U.S. holds the cards and that the war is limited.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Trump’s description | “Soft war,” not a “forever war” |
| Where he spoke | Fox News’ “Hannity,” Monday |
| Recent strike | U.S. hit Qeshm Island after Iran fired at a U.S. aircraft |
| Conflict duration | Eight months |
| Pentagon cost estimate | More than $47 billion |
| Poll finding | 71% say administration lacks a plan to end the war |
| Election Day | Tuesday |
What this means for you
- Gas prices and the war’s economic impact are central to Tuesday’s vote, so the outcome could shape future policy on the conflict.
- The $47 billion cost estimate is a Pentagon figure; Trump calls it “peanuts,” but the final tally is not yet known.
- If peace talks succeed, military action may ease; if they fail, Trump has warned of tougher strikes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a “soft war”?
Trump used the term to describe a conflict without active shooting for months, contrasting it with traditional wars.
Did the U.S. resume military strikes on Iran?
Officials said the Qeshm Island strike was defensive and did not indicate a return to full-blown strikes.
How much has the Iran conflict cost?
The Pentagon estimates more than $47 billion, according to Fox News.
What to watch next
Whether the latest round of peace talks produces a deal, and how voters respond to the war’s cost and direction in Tuesday’s midterms.
- Trump described the Iran conflict as a 'soft war' the U.S. can end anytime.
- The U.S. struck Qeshm Island after Iran fired at a U.S. aircraft, but officials called it defensive.
- The Pentagon estimates the war has cost over $47 billion, which Trump dismissed as 'peanuts'.
