Trump gave an interview to a U.S. media outlet: Iran has been destroyed, the strait is already safe—those who need oil can just go and take it themselves… The U.S. can declare victory at any time; there's almost nothing left to do. The Iranian regime has changed—it’s no longer the same people… They’re no longer interested in uranium enrichment, buried underground, impossible to produce even without war. Now it’s very safe.
Trump’s remarks were a bold announcement of the U.S.’s phased achievements in the U.S.-Iran conflict, made during his interview on March 29–30, 2026.
He explicitly claimed that the U.S. had achieved “regime change” through airstrikes, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and several high-ranking officials. In his view, the former regime has been “destroyed,” and the current Iranian leadership now consists of “a different group of people.” This explains why he believes “they have no interest in uranium enrichment”—he thinks the old political will was eradicated along with the individuals.
Although Trump claims the strait is “now safe” and “whoever needs oil can just go get it,” this is not out of “free supply,” but naked energy control.
At the same time, he issued an extremely tough threat: if a final agreement isn’t reached, the U.S. will “completely destroy” all of Iran’s power plants, oil wells, and Khark Island. Secretary Rubio also stated that Iran must never be allowed to control the strait. This confirms their strategy: “negotiate while keeping your fist clenched”—if talks fail, destroy all remaining infrastructure.
This is not merely Trump’s triumphant declaration of victory, but rather a hardline prelude to negotiations: by announcing the end of the old Iranian regime, militarily seizing control of oil resources, and backing it up with the threat of “complete destruction,” he aims to force the newly engaged Iranian leadership to accept America’s “15-point plan” and other dictated terms.
This is Trump’s familiar tactic—ultimately aimed at ending the war and securing energy dominance. His grand strategy may sound impressive, but ultimate authority does not lie with the U.S. No matter how many tricks Trump plays, if Iran refuses to accept, everything remains empty.
Though Trump waves his sword one hand while offering a cake with the other, Iran has so far neither yielded to the sword nor accepted the cake. Instead, it has responded forcefully and comprehensively. This has left Trump frustrated and embarrassed.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861209118326796/
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