25.03.2026 15:00
The daily viewing of short videos featuring successful U.S. attacks in Iran by President Donald Trump has brought up the debate of highlighting only the "gains" of the war. Experts warn that this situation could lead Trump to make premature and unrealistic assessments, such as "we won the war, we finished Iran."
The claim that U.S. President Donald Trump watches videos consisting of approximately 2 minutes of "success footage" every day in the ongoing war with Iran has sparked a new debate in Washington. According to U.S. officials, these videos include the most effective airstrikes carried out in the last 48 hours and the moments when the targets were hit; one official described the footage as a "compilation of exploding targets."
However, this situation has raised concerns that Trump is only seeing the "gains" of the war and is not adequately informed about the losses and challenges on the ground.
THE PERCEPTION OF "WE ARE WINNING" IS STRENGTHENING
As the war enters its fourth week, Trump's public statements have increasingly drawn attention for their more optimistic and victory-focused language. While Trump has been sending messages that the war is being won in recent days, the situation on the ground is not as clear-cut.
Although the U.S. and Israel have largely gained air superiority, Iran continues to carry out missile and drone attacks. Additionally, it is noted that Iran's military capacity has not been completely eliminated, and some strategic targets remain active.
Experts suggest that Trump's reliance solely on "successful attack footage" may simplify the complex reality on the ground and lead him to political rhetoric such as early victory declarations.
HAS THE WAR TURNED INTO "VISUAL PROPAGANDA"?
The Trump administration's war communication is also at the center of criticism. The White House's widespread use of war footage on social media and even the inclusion of popular culture elements in some videos has sparked a debate about the "visual marketing" of the war.
Retired soldiers and experts argue that this approach obscures the true cost of the war and superficializes the public's perception of the conflict.
THE REAL PICTURE: THE FRONT IS STILL HOT
Developments on the ground are quite complex, contrary to the optimistic picture painted by Trump. While Iran is shaking global markets by restricting energy flow in the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on U.S. bases and allied targets in the region continue.
Moreover, the U.S. seeking to halt some attacks and pursue diplomatic contacts indicates that the war has not yet reached a clear conclusion. Iran, on the other hand, officially rejects claims of negotiations and emphasizes that the conflict will continue.
THE RISK OF EARLY VICTORY RHETORIC
Analysts remind that Trump has a tendency to label military operations as "total success" in the past. However, it is emphasized that the objectives of the war have not been fully achieved in the current situation and that Iran remains a serious actor.
Therefore, the "highlight reel" content presented to Trump is assessed to reflect only one aspect of the war, which could influence the leader's decision-making processes.