President Donald Trump is sending mixed signals about the direction and goals of the 12-day war with Iran, even as global markets wobble and his poll numbers decline. He has alternated between calling for 'unconditional surrender' and suggesting the conflict could end quickly, while also saying the United States has not yet won enough. Senior officials have indicated that the course of the الحرب depends largely on Trump, fueling criticism that there is no clear plan or exit strategy.

Although the United States military says it has severely damaged Iran’s naval and missile capabilities, the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, threatening global oil supplies. Iranian leaders have vowed to resist and warned of further retaliation. Eight American troops have been killed and about 140 injured in Iranian counterattacks across the region.

Trump has struggled to justify the preemptive strike, at times saying he acted on a 'feeling' that Iran was preparing an attack, despite briefings indicating no clear intelligence of an imminent threat. Polls show about half of Americans believe the military action has made the country less safe, and a majority express little trust in Trump’s handling of the conflict.

The administration is also facing scrutiny over a deadly strike near a girls’ school in southern Iran. After evidence showed a United States cruise missile hit a nearby military facility, Trump deflected blame and made inaccurate claims about Iran’s access to such weapons. Lawmakers from both parties have called for clarity, while European leaders have voiced concern that there is no clear plan to bring the war to a swift and credible end.