Why Trump says the US is just getting started in Iran

Why Trump says the US is just getting started in Iran

Donald Trump isn't pulling any punches when it comes to the ongoing military campaign in the Middle East. On Thursday, he took to Truth Social to let the world—and the Iranian leadership—know that the current level of destruction is only the beginning. "Our Military... hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," he wrote, specifically calling out bridges and electric power plants as the next targets on the list.

It's a chilling escalation in rhetoric for an operation that’s already been running for over five weeks. Since Operation Epic Fury kicked off on February 28, 2026, we've seen a relentless barrage of strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s military backbone. But if you thought the US was looking for an early exit, Trump’s latest comments suggest otherwise. He’s basically telling the new regime leadership that they need to move "fast" or watch their country’s infrastructure vanish.

The strategy behind the infrastructure threats

The shift from hitting missile silos to targeting "bridges and power plants" marks a massive change in the war's psychological and tactical landscape. Up until now, the focus has been on "obliterating" Iran's ballistic missile arsenal and "annihilating" its navy. According to White House reports, they've been pretty successful—Iranian drone and missile attacks are reportedly down 90%, and their navy is essentially non-existent.

So why go after bridges? It isn't just about blowing things up. It’s about total paralysis. By threatening the power grid and transportation networks, the administration is squeezing the Iranian government from the inside out. They want to make it impossible for the regime to move what’s left of its hardware or even keep the lights on for its internal security forces.

Why two to three weeks is the magic number

A few days ago, Trump mentioned that the war could end in "two to three more weeks." On the surface, that sounds like a victory lap. But when you look at the legal calendar, the timing is extremely convenient.

The War Powers Resolution gives a President a 60-day window to conduct military operations without needing a formal green light from Congress. Operation Epic Fury started on February 28. If the strikes wrap up by mid-to-late April, the administration avoids a messy, public fight on Capitol Hill. They get to claim a "decisive success" while staying within the statutory boundaries.

It’s a calculated move. By framing the next few weeks as a period of "extremely hard" hits, Trump is maximizing the pressure to force a collapse or a total surrender before he has to ask for permission to keep going.

What’s actually left of the Iranian military

Despite the "90% down" statistics coming out of the White House, US intelligence paints a slightly more complicated picture. Sources told CNN that roughly 50% of Iran’s drone capabilities are still intact. Thousands of one-way attack drones are reportedly hidden away, and about half of their missile launchers haven't been touched yet.

  • The Navy: Mostly sunk or disabled during the first two weeks.
  • Production Facilities: Roughly two-thirds are damaged, but the "missile industry" isn't completely razed.
  • The Proxies: Groups in the region are still launching sporadic attacks against US bases in Bahrain and Qatar.

This explains why Trump is so vocal about not being "finished." If the Iranian regime isn't caving yet, he's basically saying, "Wait until you see what happens when we start on the bridges."

The problem with infrastructure as a target

International law is a little tricky here. You can't just blow up a bridge because you feel like it. It has to be a legitimate military objective. For example, a bridge used to transport missiles is a legal target. A bridge that only serves a civilian neighborhood is not.

But Trump isn't exactly known for his concern over legal nuances. His "bring them back to the Stone Age" rhetoric is a clear signal to the world that he's prioritizing results over rules. Even as allies like Emmanuel Macron call his approach "unserious" and a "disorder" for the world, the administration isn't backing down.

What's actually happening in Tehran

Inside Iran, it’s a mess. Since the war started, authorities have arrested hundreds of people for everything from documenting strike damage to using Starlink internet. It’s an information blackout. The regime is desperately trying to keep the population from realizing how much of their military infrastructure has been erased.

At the same time, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is trying to play a high-stakes diplomatic game in Oman. They’ve reportedly offered to dilute their remaining 60% enriched uranium in exchange for lifting sanctions. But when Trump says the US has "hasn't even started," he’s basically telling them their offer isn't good enough. He's holding out for total compliance or a new leadership entirely.

Where things go from here

Trump’s "two to three weeks" timeline is approaching fast. If you're watching the oil markets or the headlines, don't expect things to cool down just yet. The next few weeks are going to be the most intense part of the conflict as the US targets what's left of the Iranian power and transport networks.

If you want to understand what's coming, look at the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has threatened to shut it down completely by April 6 if the attacks don't stop. That would send global oil prices through the roof. If they follow through, expect the US to move from "destroying missiles" to a full-scale assault on Iranian energy sites—exactly what Trump has been hinting at.

Basically, the "Epic Fury" is about to get a lot more furious. Stick around—it's going to be a long month.

AK

Amelia Kelly

Amelia Kelly has built a reputation for clear, engaging writing that transforms complex subjects into stories readers can connect with and understand.