Trump Tells Fox News US Is Not at War with Iran, but Contradictions and Mounting Pressure Raise Questions
In an interview with his daughter-in-law on Fox News, President Donald Trump stated that the United States should not have waged war on Iran, while simultaneously making contradictory claims about destroying Iran’s military and leaving it alone. The interview, which aired on Saturday, comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing scrutiny of the administration’s Iran policy. Trump’s remarks were part of a broader conversation that touched on his views of past conflicts, including the Iraq War, which he has frequently criticized. “You look at what happened with Iraq,” Trump said, invoking the costly and controversial war as a cautionary tale. The president, 80, has long maintained that the conflict in the Middle East is not a war, despite it now dragging on seven months after he claimed it would wrap up within weeks. Even his loyal Fox News base appears to be losing patience, as the interview gained significant traction online, accumulating more than 493,000 views within hours.nnThe president’s comments come as Washington is reportedly increasing pressure on Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global shipments of oil, fertilizer, and other essential commodities. Over the weekend, Iranian radar and drone sites and the island of Qeshm were attacked, while Iran said it launched a retaliatory attack on a U.S. target. Trump, however, downplayed the situation, insisting that the U.S. is not at war with Iran. He also stated that the U.S. “needs nothing from NATO” but urged allies to “never forget” this very important point in time. The mixed messages have raised questions about the administration’s strategy and the potential for further escalation.nnDomestically, Trump’s political operation is also in focus. The president has been actively fundraising for the NRCC, seeking to fund the midterms to help keep the narrow House GOP majority (217-214). The interview with his daughter-in-law, which aired on Fox News, was seen by some as an attempt to shore up support among his base. However, the president’s contradictory statements on Iran and his recent outburst at a female reporter over tariff refund checks have fueled criticism. “I think the war’s going to end immediately after the election,” Trump said, a remark that critics interpreted as politically motivated
Shimanta Das 
