‘Small potatoes’: US President Trump downplays war on Iran

What the report says

US President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed the ongoing US and Israeli campaign against Iran, describing it as “small potatoes” and saying the United States was not fighting at the moment despite recent exchanges of fire. Speaking at a White House event, Trump echoed comments from Vice President JD Vance, who had said a day earlier that there was no active shooting, while acknowledging flare-ups. Al Jazeera reported that Trump preferred terms such as “military conflict” and repeated that the US was carrying out intermittent strikes while claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The article said the conflict has been under way since February 28 and has coincided with deaths of 18 US service members, higher global energy prices and attacks across the Middle East. Trump has previously used softer descriptions for the fighting, and the report said analysts view that language as potentially strategic, especially as the administration faces criticism over launching strikes without congressional approval. In June, both chambers of Congress passed a largely symbolic war powers resolution urging Trump to stop the campaign or seek authorization.

Al Jazeera also noted that the war remains unpopular in the United States, citing a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing nearly six in 10 adults disapproving of the strikes. With midterm elections approaching and peace talks stalled, the report said the administration is also intensifying sanctions on Iran. Trump did not rule out further attacks, including a possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz.