Trump Calls Iran Conflict ‘Small Potatoes’ as U.S. Struggles to Show Gains

Donald Trump called the conflict with Iran “small potatoes” before turning to a list of what he described as his achievements. Speaking at a Friday press conference in the Oval Office, the president said he referred to it as a military conflict because “it’s small potatoes for us” and “not some big thing.”

“

I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not some big thing.

When a reporter asked whether the deaths of 18 U.S. service members were also “small potatoes,” Trump initially did not answer. Instead, he said the United States was now “far ahead in space.” He later returned to the question, saying, “We lost 18 souls, 18 wonderful souls... and even one is too many.” He added that the United States had lost tens of thousands of people in Vietnam and even more in Afghanistan.

The effort to minimize the war comes as the conflict continues to impose political and economic costs. The Strait of Hormuz, which was open to global oil trade before the conflict, remains effectively blocked, contributing to an energy crisis and high prices for many Americans. Important midterm elections are due in the United States in about two months, and the higher costs are not helping public satisfaction with Trump or Republican policies.

“

We lost 18 souls, 18 wonderful souls... and even one is too many.

Vance made a similar argument at the White House’s first official press briefing in several weeks on Thursday. “I wouldn’t call it a war,” he told reporters, arguing that military operations were not currently taking place. U.S. forces had attacked Iranian targets repeatedly in previous months and again at the start of this week. The United States and Israel began the war against Iran in late February.

“

I wouldn’t call it a war.