President Donald Trump said Friday that U.S. and allied forces are nearing the final phase of their military campaign against Iran, with thousands of targets already struck and roughly 3,500 remaining as operations continue.
Speaking during a keynote address in Miami, Trump indicated the pace of strikes remains high and suggested the campaign could conclude in the near term. “We have another 3,554 targets left, and that will be done pretty quickly,” Trump said. “And then at some point, we’re going to have to determine what we do.”
The remarks come as the United States and Israel continue a joint military operation launched on Feb. 28 targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, political leadership, and strategic capabilities. According to U.S. Central Command, more than 10,000 targets have already been struck since the campaign began.
“Operation Epic Fury” was initially framed as a four- to six-week effort aimed at degrading Iran’s missile systems, limiting its ability to produce new weapons, and neutralizing its naval capabilities. Additional objectives include preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and weakening its support for regional proxy groups.
Trump suggested those goals are increasingly within reach, though he stopped short of declaring a formal end to hostilities. “We’re closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free at last from Iranian terror, aggression, and nuclear blackmail,” he said.
The president also pointed to ongoing negotiations with Tehran, asserting that Iran is actively seeking a resolution after sustaining significant military losses. “They are negotiating. They’re begging to make a deal,” Trump said, disputing prior public statements from Iranian officials denying talks.
At the center of those discussions is the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which a substantial share of the world’s oil supply passes. Trump emphasized that any agreement would require Iran to ensure the waterway remains open to international shipping.
“They have to open it up, the Strait of… Hormuz,” Trump said, briefly stumbling over the name before correcting himself. The comment drew laughter from the audience, but the underlying message reflected the strategic importance of the strait to both global markets and U.S. policy objectives.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the conflict, with disruptions to shipping routes contributing to volatility in global energy prices. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that maintaining open access to the strait is a non-negotiable condition for any diplomatic resolution.
Trump framed the broader campaign as a decisive shift in regional dynamics, arguing that Iran’s longstanding influence has been significantly weakened. “For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East,” he said. “But they are not the bully any longer. They’re on the run.”
The administration has not publicly detailed the specific nature of the remaining targets or the timeline for completing the operation, though Trump’s comments suggest military planners believe the campaign is entering its final stage.
Even as operations continue, questions remain about what follows the conclusion of major combat actions. Trump acknowledged that decisions about next steps—including potential long-term strategy in the region—will come once the current phase is complete. “At some point, we’re going to have to determine what we do,” he said.
The conflict has drawn close attention from U.S. allies and adversaries alike, particularly given its implications for regional stability, energy markets, and broader geopolitical alignments. The joint nature of the operation with Israel underscores the coordination between the two countries in confronting Iran’s military capabilities.
While Trump has emphasized the success of the campaign, analysts note that the final phase could carry risks, particularly if Iran responds asymmetrically or escalates in other areas. The presence of thousands of remaining targets suggests continued military activity in the coming days or weeks.