Trump Says Iran War Nearly Won as Israel Eyes Regime Change

U.S. President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran is progressing faster than expected and could end in the near term. Speaking to Republican lawmakers, Trump argued that the joint U.S.–Israeli operation has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and is ahead of its original timeline. However, he also noted that while the allies have "won in many ways," the mission has not yet achieved all of its objectives.

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets. Early in the campaign, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during Israeli airstrikes near Tehran, triggering a major leadership transition within the country.

While the Trump administration has framed the operation as a limited campaign aimed at neutralizing Iran’s threats, Israel appears to be pursuing broader strategic goals. Israeli officials have signaled that the war could create conditions for regime change in Tehran, highlighting a potential divergence in long‑term objectives between the allies.

The war has also shaken global energy markets. Oil prices surged as the conflict raised fears of disruptions in Middle Eastern supply routes. Analysts warn that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for roughly one‑fifth of global oil shipments — could intensify volatility across commodity and financial markets.