Donald Trump has declared the U.S. agreement with Iran ending the Middle East conflict a clear American victory — one achieved through overwhelming military strength and diplomatic pressure. Speaking exclusively to Axios, the former U.S. president described the deal as effectively an “unconditional surrender” by Iran, though he acknowledged it was negotiated to prevent the war from triggering a global economic recession.
‘No Limits to My Power’
When asked what he learned about the limits of his authority during the conflict, Trump replied: “I haven’t learned that lesson yet. I know there are limits — but there are no limits to my power.” He insisted the U.S. had “completely defeated Iran militarily” and characterized the agreement as likely amounting to unconditional surrender.
A Show of Force
Trump emphasized the demonstration of U.S. military might during the conflict, citing a naval blockade he ordered in the Strait of Hormuz. “Who else could pull off such a blockade? Not a single ship got through — some tried, but it didn’t last long,” he said.
Why Not Go Harder?
In response to critics questioning why he didn’t take a harsher stance toward Iran, Trump dismissed the idea: “The only way to get tougher is to go back in for another two or three weeks and keep bombing mercilessly. But what would that achieve? The Strait of Hormuz would close — and we’d have no oil for months. Every bomb you drop shuts that chokepoint down automatically,” he explained.
According to a source familiar with Trump’s thinking, he has privately expressed concern that global oil reserves are dwindling and warned of a potential worldwide oil shock if the Strait remains closed.