Trump Threatens 'Next Conquest' as Middle East Conflict Rages

President says US military is 'Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest' as ceasefire in Iran war hangs by a thread.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:56pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a military vehicle in shades of blue, grey, and red, with overlapping geometric shapes and fractured lines conveying a sense of motion and conflict.As tensions escalate globally, the US military appears poised for further interventions despite the ongoing chaos in the Middle East.San Diego Today

As a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran teeters, President Donald Trump has ominously declared that the American military is already eyeing its 'next conquest', sparking concerns that the administration is seeking to expand the war to new fronts despite the devastation already wrought.

Why it matters

Trump's bellicose rhetoric and apparent eagerness to open new military fronts comes as the Middle East remains embroiled in a deadly conflict that the president and his ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, helped unleash six weeks ago. Experts warn that Trump's 'depraved' and 'out of control' behavior poses grave risks to global stability.

The details

In a late-night social media post, Trump said US forces will remain 'in place' and 'around' Iran until a 'real agreement' is reached to end the war, even as the two-week ceasefire announced by Trump and Iranian leaders teeters due to Israel's continued bombardment of Lebanon. The president then ominously declared that the US military is 'Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest', without specifying potential targets.

  • The Middle East conflict began six weeks ago.
  • A two-week ceasefire was announced late Tuesday.
  • Trump made his 'next conquest' comments on Wednesday night.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has threatened to expand the ongoing Middle East conflict and pursue new military campaigns.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, who is an ally of Trump and has been involved in the current Middle East conflict.

Branislav Slantchev

An international relations expert who teaches political science at the University of California San Diego and has criticized Trump's behavior as 'depraved' and 'out of control'.

Marisa Kabas

A journalist who responded to Trump's comments by stating 'We cannot live this way'.

Brian Finucane

A senior adviser to the US Program at the International Crisis Group, who argued that Trump is 'lashing out' due to the failure of his 'war on a whim' against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“This depraved idiot is out of control.”

— Branislav Slantchev, International relations expert

“We cannot live this way.”

— Marisa Kabas, Journalist

“Pretend I didn't say that.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's reckless and expansionist rhetoric raises grave concerns about the potential for the administration to further destabilize the Middle East and beyond, even as the current conflict continues to wreak havoc. His behavior underscores the need for a more restrained and diplomatic approach to foreign policy.