'Already won' or 'got to finish the job': The Trump administration's mixed messages on Iran
By Amanda Terkel
Published on March 13, 2026.
The Trump administration's handling of the Iran war has been criticized for its mixed messages, with President Donald Trump initially stating that the war was already won. However, since then, he has insisted that the U.S. still needs to "finish the job" and could end soon or further. The decision to strike Iran on February 28 surprised many, as the administration did not go to Congress for authorization or make a case for the war. The administration now faces a skeptical public, with 54% of voters disapproving of President Trump's handling and saying the military should not have taken military action. The White House responded to a "fake narrative" about the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, stating that it consistently points to destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilating its navy, and preventing the regime from destabilizing the region.
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