Florida: US President Donald Trump on Friday sharply criticised dissent over the ongoing US conflict with Iran, calling it “treasonous” to suggest that Washington is not winning the war, even as negotiations between the two sides remain uncertain.
Speaking at an event in The Villages, Florida, Trump targeted political opponents for questioning the effectiveness of the US military campaign. “We get the radical left to say, ‘We’re not winning.’ They don’t have any military left… I believe it’s treasonous,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the United States over the war effort and its outcomes. Critics have raised concerns about strategy, costs and the lack of a clear endgame, while Trump has consistently defended the campaign as a success.
Claims of military success, nuclear threat
Trump reiterated that US actions were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, arguing that failure to act would have endangered Israel, the Middle East and Europe. He claimed the US had significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, asserting that its air force, navy and leadership structure had been effectively dismantled.
He also drew comparisons with a previous US military operation in Venezuela, calling it one of the “greatest military movements in history,” and said the campaign in Iran was performing “just about as well.”
However, independent assessments and analysts have previously questioned similar claims about the extent of damage to Iran’s military infrastructure.
Talks with Iran face hurdles
On diplomacy, Trump indicated frustration with the pace and substance of negotiations, saying Tehran’s latest proposal falls short of US expectations. “They’re not coming through with the kind of deal that we have to have,” he said, adding that Washington would ensure the issue is “done properly.”
Earlier, speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Florida, Trump said he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s latest offer and remained uncertain whether a final agreement could be reached.
He also pointed to internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, suggesting that competing factions were complicating negotiations.
No early exit from conflict
Trump emphasised that the US would not withdraw prematurely, warning that doing so could allow the crisis to re-emerge in the coming years. “We’re not going to leave early and have this kind of problem arise in three more years,” he said.
His comments come as the conflict—marked by military action, a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts—continues to draw scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
Iran recently submitted a revised proposal aimed at advancing talks to end the confrontation, responding to amendments suggested by Washington. However, significant gaps remain, leaving the prospect of a durable settlement uncertain.
