23.03.2026 09:00
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues on its 24th day, US President Trump outlined five military targets against Iran. Trump listed goals such as "destroying Iran's defense industry infrastructure" and added that they have largely achieved their plans. The detail about the Strait of Hormuz in Trump's message drew attention, while it was also suggested that the US conveyed a message to the Tel Aviv administration that the war would last longer than expected.
The war that began on February 28 between the USA, Israel, and Iran has entered its 24th day, with military operations on the ground continuing unabated. As tensions in the region escalate, new statements from US President Donald Trump have drawn attention.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump made evaluations regarding the ongoing military operations. In his first message, he stated, "In short; peace through strength," and then detailed the USA's objectives on the ground.
"WE HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO OUR TARGETS"
Trump indicated that the end of military operations against Iran in the Middle East is being evaluated, expressing that the objectives have largely been achieved. He listed the USA's primary goals as follows:
1-) To completely neutralize Iran's missile capacity, missile launchers, and everything related to them.
2-) To destroy Iran's defense industry infrastructure.
3-) To eliminate Iran's navy and air forces, including anti-aircraft weapons.
4-) To prevent Iran from approaching nuclear weapon capabilities and to be in a position to intervene quickly and powerfully if such a situation arises.
5-) To protect our allies in the Middle East, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, at the highest level.
HORMUZ STRAIT MESSAGE DRAWS ATTENTION
Another prominent headline in Trump's statement was the Hormuz Strait. The US President pointed to the responsibility of regional countries to protect and monitor the strait.
Trump stated, "The Hormuz Strait should be protected and monitored by other countries that use it when necessary. The USA will not do this," adding that support could be provided if requested, but there would be no direct involvement.
FROM THE USA TO IRAN: THE WAR WILL LAST LONGER THAN EXPECTED
On the other hand, Israeli media claimed that the USA conveyed a message to the Tel Aviv administration that the war would last longer than expected in the context of attack plans regarding the opening of the Hormuz Strait. Israel's Channel 12 television reported that, according to the USA's assessment, the attacks aimed at opening the Hormuz Strait would last for weeks.
The report suggested that the USA communicated to Israel that the war would last longer than expected due to these attack plans, indicating that Washington's plan was not only to open the strait but also to eliminate Iran's influence on global energy prices. It was reported that US officials stated, "We want a strategic change, even if it takes time."
The report noted that Israel was aware of some of the USA's plans and actively participated in some of its activities, claiming that if the USA acted according to its attack plans, contrary to predictions, the war could last for weeks.
TENSIONS ESCALATING IN THE REGION
Experts evaluate that the USA's statements indicate that operations on the ground will continue, while the messages regarding the Hormuz Strait could have critical implications for global energy security.
As diplomatic efforts for a solution continue, the military activity on the ground and mutual statements are increasing concerns that the war could spread to a wider area.
USA-ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON IRAN
While negotiations between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, Israel and the USA launched a military attack on Iran on February 28. Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in some regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the USA-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and many high-ranking officials were killed. According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the USA-Israel attacks exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured surpassed 17,000.