Key remarks from Trump on Iran conflict as war approaches one month.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on February 27 he was not happy with Iran and wants to make a deal with Tehran but warned that "sometimes you have to" use military force.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (FILE - FEBRUARY 27, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP LEAVING THE WHITE HOUSE

2. VARIOUS OF TRUMP GREETING SUPPORTERS

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, RESPONDING IF HE IS HAPPY WITH IRAN NEGOTIATIONS:

"No, I'm not. I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. And so I'm not thrilled with that. We'll see what happens. We're talking later, we'll have some additional talks today. But no, I'm not happy with the way they're going."

4. TRUMP WALKING TOWARDS MARINE ONE, PAUSING AND WAVING ALONG THE WAY

5. TRUMP BOARDING MARINE ONE

Trump said on February 28 that the United States had begun "major combat operations" in Iran, warning that there may be U.S. casualties.

UNIDENTIFIED LOCATION (RELEASED FEBRUARY 28, 2026) (DONALD TRUMP VIA TRUTH SOCIAL - Access all)

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people."

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, Trump said on February 28.

INTERNET (FILE- FEBRUARY 28, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE—ACCESS ALL) (MUTE)

7. SCREENSHOT OF POST FROM U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TRUTH SOCIAL ACCOUNT READING (English):

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!” Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much...

8. SCREENSHOT OF POST FROM U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TRUTH SOCIAL ACCOUNT READING (English):

"destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump warned Iran against conducting more strikes on March 1, following U.S. and Israeli attacks on the Middle East nation which resulted in the killing of their supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

INTERNET (MARCH 1, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

9. SCREENSHOT OF POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE "TRUTH SOCIAL" BY U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, READING (English):

"Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump said on March 2 that he had ordered the attack on Iran to thwart Tehran's nuclear development and a ballistic missile program that he said was growing rapidly.

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 2, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

10. TRUMP AT PODIUM

11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“The regime's conventional ballistic missile program was growing rapidly and dramatically, and this posed a very clear, colossal threat to American forces stationed overseas. The regime already had missiles capable of hitting Europe and our bases, both local and overseas, and we would soon have missiles capable of reaching our beautiful America.”

12. WIDE OF TRUMP AND AUDIENCE

Trump said on March 4 that U.S. forces are in a very strong position in Iran, calling it tremendous progress after less than a week of war.

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 4, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

13. TRUMP AND OFFICIALS SEATED DURING ROUND TABLE

14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“If we didn't hit within two weeks, they would have had a nuclear weapon. If we didn't do the B-2 attack a number of months ago, they would have a nuclear weapon and when crazy people have nuclear weapons, bad things happen. So, we're in very good shape now, I want to let you know that and we will continue forward. But it's a great display of military strength.”

15. TRUMP AND OFFICIALS SEATED

Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" on March 6, a dramatic escalation of his demands a week into the war he launched alongside Israel.

Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts in one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end the conflict.

INTERNET (MARCH 6, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

16. POST FROM THE TRUTH SOCIAL ACCOUNT OF U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP READING:

"There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).” Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump said on March 7 that Iran has apologised and surrendered to its Middle East neighbours, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore.

INTERNET (MARCH 7, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all)

17. SCREENSHOT OF SOCIAL MEDIA POST ON TRUTH SOCIAL BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP READING (English):

"Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbours, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack. They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries. They have said, “Thank you President Trump.” I have said, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer the “Bully of the Middle East,” they are, instead, “THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,” and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse! Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump on March 7, refused to outline conditions for sending ground troops into Iran, saying any such move would require “a very good reason”.

IN AIR (MARCH 7, 2026) (WHITE HOUSE - Access all)

18. TRUMP SPEAKING WITH MEDIA ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE

19. WHITE FLASH

20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

REPORTER ASKING: “What is the circumstances where you'd send in ground troops. How are you thinking about that?”

TRUMP: “I don't even want to talk about it now. I mean, I don't think it's an appropriate question. You know, I'm not going to answer it. Could there be? Possibly for very good reason. Have to, have to be a very good reason. And I would say if we ever did that, they would be so decimated that they wouldn't be able to fight at the ground level."

Trump said on March 9 that the United States is waiving certain oil-related sanctions as a way to ensure adequate oil supply. He also said that the United States could consider its military campaign against Iran a success, but added that U.S. actions would continue.

DORAL, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (MARCH 9, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

21. TRUMP APPROACHING LECTERN

22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S.PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"We're also waiving certain oil-related sanctions to reduce prices. So we have sanctions on some countries, we're going to take those sanctions off until this straightens out. Then who knows? Maybe we won't have to put them on. There'll be so much peace. But when the time comes, the U.S. Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the strait if needed. I hope it's not going to be needed."

Trump said on March 13 the United States was "totally destroying" Iran and claimed Iranian military forces and leadership were being decimated.

INTERNET (MARCH 13, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

23. SCREENSHOT OF POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE "TRUTH SOCIAL" BY U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, READING (English):

"We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning. Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump on March 13, said that the United States carried out strikes against "every military target" on Iran's Kharg Island export hub.

INTERNET (MARCH 13, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

24. SCREENSHOT OF POST ON 'TRUTH SOCIAL' BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, READING (English):

"Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision. During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump said on March 14 that many countries would send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, but did not provide details on which countries would do so.

INTERNET (MARCH 14, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA - Access all)

25. SOCIAL MEDIA POST BY PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ON TRUTH SOCIAL THAT READS:

"Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe. We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are. Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated. In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump said on March 15 that Washington is in contact with Iran but expressed doubt that Tehran is prepared for serious negotiations to end the conflict.

IN AIR (MARCH 15, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

26. TRUMP WALKING TOWARD MEDIA AND SPEAKING

27. WHITE FLASH

28. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"They want to negotiate. They want to negotiate badly. I don't think they're ready at this time. I don't think they're ready, they want to negotiate badly as they should. But I don't think they're ready to do what they have to do. But I think they will be at some point."

Trump said on March 16 that he spoke with a former U.S. president who told him, "I wish I did what you did" on the Iran war.

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 16, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

29. TRUMP SPEAKING TO MEDIA IN OVAL OFFICE

30. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“And other presidents should have done...I spoke to one of the former presidents who I actually like. I actually speak to some. I do like some people, it would be shocking. And he said, 'I wish I did what you did. I could have done it.' Other presidents, somebody should have done it. 47 years this went on. They call Iran the bully of the Middle East. And you could have never had the Abraham Accords, you could never have had peace in the Middle East. Now you're going to have peace. You could never do it with the dark cloud of a nuclear Iran."

31. TRUMP SPEAKING TO MEDIA

Trump told reporters on March 17 that the United States was not ready to leave the military operation in Iran yet, but that "we'll be leaving in pretty much the very near future."

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 17, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

32. WIDE OF TRUMP SPEAKING DURING OVAL OFFICE MEETING

33. (SOUNDBITE ) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SAYING:

"But we're not ready to leave yet. But we, we'll be leaving in the near future. We'll be leaving in pretty much the very near future. But right now, they've been decimated from every standpoint. And again, we've had great support from countries in the Middle East, great support. But we've had no support from, essentially, no support from NATO."

34. TRUMP SPEAKING DURING MEETING

Trump said on March 20 that there are no leaders left in Iran to talk to about the war, with military strikes continuing to target Iranian officials.

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES (MARCH 20, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

35. TRUMP WALKING TO PODIUM

36. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"They don't know what's happening. Their Navy's gone; their Air Force is gone. Their anti-aircraft is all gone; it's all gone. Their radar's all gone. Their leaders are all gone. The next set of leaders are all gone. And the next set of leaders are mostly gone. And now, nobody wants to be a leader over there anymore. We're having a hard time. We want to talk to them and there's nobody to talk to. We have nobody to talk to. And you know what? We like it that way."

37. TRUMP LEAVING

Trump said on March 20 the U.S. was getting very close to meeting its objectives as it considers winding down its military efforts in the Iran war and called on countries that use Strait of Hormuz to guard and police it "as necessary."

INTERNET (MARCH 20, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

38. SCREENSHOT OF POST ON 'TRUTH SOCIAL' BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, READING (English):

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump on March 21 threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, a dramatic escalation barely a day after he talked about "winding down" the war.

Iran’s Unified Combatant Command warned that if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, all U.S. energy infrastructure in the region will be targeted, Iranian media reported early on March 22.

The threat of Iranian attacks has kept most ships from getting through the strait, a narrow waterway that serves as the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, threatening a global energy shock. Its near-closure sent European gas prices surging as much as 35% last week.

INTERNET (MARCH 21, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

39. SCREENSHOT OF U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TRUTH SOCIAL READING (English):

"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump said on March 23 that the U.S. has had good and productive conversations with Iran and he will order the military to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.

Trump's move followed a threat by Iran to attack Israel's power plants and those supplying U.S. bases across the Gulf region if the U.S. targets Iran's power network.

Conversations with Iran will continue throughout the week, Trump said in a social media post.

INTERNET (MARCH 23, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all) (MUTE)

40. SCREENSHOT OF POST FROM U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TRUTH SOCIAL ACCOUNT READING (English):

“I AM PLEASE TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”

Trump said on March 23 that the United States would temporarily postpone planned strikes against Iranian energy and electricity targets as talks with Tehran continue, expressing optimism that a broader agreement could be reached.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES (MARCH 23, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

41. TRUMP ARRIVING FOR MEMPHIS SAFE TASK FORCE ROUNDTABLE

42. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“So we are now having really good discussions. They started last night, a little bit, the night before that. And I think they have, you know, I think they're very good. They want to, they want peace. They've agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon, you know, etc., etc.. But we'll see. You have to get it done. But I would say there's a very good chance.”

43. TRUMP SPEAKING

Trump on March 23 told reporters the United States ‌has held talks with Iran and that the two sides had "major points of agreement."

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (MARCH 23, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

44. U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP WALKING TOWARD REPORTERS ON TARMAC

45. WHITE FLASH

46. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"We have had very, very strong talks, we'll see where they lead. We have major points of agreement, I would say almost all points of agreement. Perhaps that hasn't been conveyed. The communication, as you know, has been blown to pieces. They're unable to talk to each other. But we've had very strong talks, Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner had them. They went, I would say, perfectly."

Trump suggested on March 26 that Iran let ten oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistan-flagged vessels.

Trump made the comments at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, elaborating on what he had previously described as a "present" from Iran.

He also said that Iran was seeking a deal to end ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes, arguing the pressure had forced Tehran to the negotiating table. Trump said Iran wants to “make a deal” because it had been “beat to shit.”

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 26, 2026)(UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

47. WIDE OF U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP LISTENING AT CABINET MEETING

48. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"They said to show you the fact that we're real and solid and we're there. We're going to let you have eight boats of oil. Eight boats. Eight big boats of oil. This was two days ago. And they'll sail up tomorrow. That was three days ago. And I didn't think much about it. And then I watched the news and they said, a very good anchor actually happened to be FOX, but I watched it and they said, something's unusual happening, there are eight boats that are going right up the middle of the Hormuz Strait. Eight big tankers are going loaded up with oil right through. And I said, well, I guess I guess they were right. And they were they were real. And I think they were Pakistani flagged. Yes. And I said, well, I guess we're dealing with the right people. And actually, they then apologized for something they said and they said, we're going to send two more boats."

49. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION

50. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“So they want to make a deal. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to shit.”

51. JOURNALISTS LISTENING TO TRUMP