US President Donald Trump has claimed the United States is on course for a swift victory in its ongoing war with Iran, describing the conflict as short-lived and largely under control.Speaking at an event in Las Vegas, Trump dismissed the war as a “little diversion” during his second term, while insisting it was necessary to prevent what he called “really bad things”, in an apparent reference to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He pointed to the speed of the campaign compared with past US wars, saying, “We were in there for two months… and we’re going to have victory very shortly.”The president described Iran as a “very tough, smart country” but claimed US forces had dealt a devastating blow to its military capabilities. “They have no navy left,” he said, alleging that 158 Iranian ships had been destroyed. Trump also revisited the killing of Qasem Soleimani, calling him “one of the worst terrorists in the history of the world” and linking his death to a weakening of Iran’s position.Despite his confidence, recent polls reflect a more sceptical mood among American voters. An Ipsos survey found a majority believe the war has not been worth the cost, while a Quinnipiac University poll reported that 65 per cent of voters blame Trump for rising fuel prices following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Only 36 per cent approved of his handling of the conflict.On the ground, the war’s regional impact remains severe. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has raised hopes of a broader pause in fighting involving Iran and the US. The truce followed intense diplomacy led by Washington, with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging leaders across the region.Still, uncertainty persists. Israel has indicated it will retain the right to strike if threatened, while Hezbollah has warned it will respond to any violations. Meanwhile, indirect talks between the US and Iran, reportedly facilitated by Pakistan, are focusing on Tehran’s nuclear programme, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and war reparations.
