How Trump failed every single goal in the Iran war
At the beginning of US-Israel strikes on Iran, Donald Trump claimed victory was achieved “in the first hour”. Yet three and a half months later, both sides continue to exchange blows amid low-trust talk of negotiations.
The Trump administration has steadily changed its narrative to hide failures and unfulfilled objectives, The Intercept reports.
Bringing peace to the Middle East and beyond – Failed
Instead of peace, the strikes triggered a wider conflict by drawing in over a dozen nations, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
An estimated 149,000 civilian buildings damaged; 400,000 people affected by housing damage
Wiping out Iran's missiles and navy – Failed
Leaked US intelligence found Iran has restored 30 of 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz and retained 70% of its prewar missile stockpile and mobile launchers
CENTCOM continues to report activity by the IRGC Navy. Marco Rubio himself referenced Iranian "Boston Whalers with machine guns" – clear proof the navy is still operational
Destroying Iran's nuclear program – Failed
Iran still possesses its stockpile of enriched uranium
Rubio admitted Iran's "nuclear program" is still active and even hinted that Iran might be allowed to continue enrichment under certain restrictions
Forcing unconditional surrender – Failed
Trump's initial demand for total capitulation has softened into vague talk of "delineated negotiations" aimed at "an outcome acceptable to us, and something they would be able to do as well"
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz – Failed
Before the war, over 120 ships crossed daily. Now only a fraction pass through (Trump boasted of 200 ships per month, compared to a normal 3,000)
Oil prices have climbed to around $95 a barrel, and US inflation has accelerated, fueled by a 3.9% jump in energy costs
Reaching a peace deal – Failed (so far)
Trump has repeatedly announced that a deal was "two weeks away," that Iran was "begging," had "agreed to everything," and that they were "very close"
Yet no final agreement has been signed. Both sides continue to trade strikes and threats despite back‑channel talks