WASHINGTON D.C. April 23, 2026 — President Donald Trump declared Thursday that U.S. forces have struck 78% of the Iranian targets selected in the ongoing military campaign, while warning that he is prepared to “finish it up militarily” if Tehran refuses to negotiate a deal.
In a video statement released by the U.S. Department of State, Trump said from the Oval Office:
“We’ve hit 78% of the targets that we’ve wanted to hit. If Iran doesn’t want to make a deal, then I’ll finish it up militarily with the other targets.”
The remarks, delivered as Trump sat at the Resolute Desk surrounded by White House staff and members of the press, underscore the administration’s dual-track approach of sustained military pressure combined with diplomatic negotiations.
The statement comes amid the U.S.-Israeli operation launched on February 28, 2026 — dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — which has targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile program, air-defense systems, naval assets, and other military sites. U.S. officials have previously confirmed that American and Israeli forces have struck more than 13,000 targets since the conflict began, significantly degrading Iran’s capabilities.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since early April, but tensions remain elevated over Iran’s continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil chokepoint. The United States maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports as leverage to secure safe passage for international shipping and to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program.
The Department of State’s decision to post the video on X signals strong official backing for the president’s strategy of using credible military threats to force a comprehensive agreement.
No immediate response has been issued by Iranian officials.
About The Author
