Trump Claims 'Short-Term Excursion' in Iran, But Iran Vows Long War

Former president says US has already 'won in many ways' against Iran, but Iran's leadership says no room for diplomacy.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Former US President Donald Trump told a crowd of Republicans in Miami that the war with Iran would be a 'short-term excursion' and that the US has already 'won in many ways.' However, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader told CNN that 'there is no longer any room for diplomacy' and that Iran is preparing for a 'long war.' The comments come as the US continues to withdraw troops from bases in the Middle East.

Why it matters

Trump's claims of a quick victory in Iran contradict statements from Iranian leadership, raising concerns about the potential for an extended and costly conflict. The withdrawal of US troops from the region also raises questions about America's long-term strategy and commitment to stability in the Middle East.

The details

In his remarks, Trump said the US took 'a little excursion' in Iran to 'get rid of some evil' and that the war would be 'finished pretty quickly.' However, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader told CNN that Iran sees no room for diplomacy and is preparing for a prolonged conflict. The comments also come after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been providing Iran with intelligence support.

  • On March 9, 2026, Trump spoke to a crowd of Republicans in Miami.
  • Earlier on March 9, 2026, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader spoke to CNN.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who claims the war with Iran will be a 'short-term excursion.'

Vladimir Putin

President of Russia who has been providing Iran with intelligence support, according to reports.

Iran's Supreme Leader advisor

An unnamed advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader who told CNN that Iran sees no room for diplomacy and is preparing for a 'long war.'

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What they’re saying

“We've already won in many ways, but we haven't won enough. We go forward, more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory that will end this long-running danger once and for all.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States (substack.com)

“There is no longer any room for diplomacy; prepare for a long war.”

— Iran's Supreme Leader advisor (CNN)

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 claims of a quick victory in Iran stand in stark contrast to Iran's stated intention to prepare for a prolonged conflict, raising concerns about the potential for an extended and costly war in the Middle East. The withdrawal of US troops from the region also raises questions about America's long-term strategy and commitment to stability in the region.