His remarks came in his first public comments since the United States launched attacks on Iran.
Trump insisted that the American military “continues to carry out large-scale combat options in Iran.” He further claimed that the US attack is achieving its goals ahead of schedule. However, he also warned that the conflict could go "far longer" than his earlier estimate of about a month.
Iran has repeatedly stated that its missile programme is defensive in nature and meant to protect its sovereignty. Analysts say Tehran sees its missile strength as a deterrent against foreign intervention, especially after repeated threats and sanctions from Washington.
Critics argue that Trump’s statements may be aimed at justifying continued military pressure rather than opening doors for diplomacy. They believe escalating rhetoric could push the region into deeper instability.
Many observers question whether prolonging the conflict will truly enhance US security or instead create greater risks for American forces stationed abroad.
"We're already substantially ahead of our time projections," Trump said at the White House on Monday, adding, "From the beginning, we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do it."
He framed one reason for the offensive as Iran’s potential to develop missiles capable of reaching “our beautiful America.”
Trump described the human cost of Iran’s tactics, stating that “every time you see someone with missing arms or legs” or a face that’s been “shattered” it was most likely caused by an Iranian “road side bomb.”
For the first time since the conflict began, Trump has also addressed his 2018 decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear accord negotiated under President Barack Obama. “That was a horrible, horrible dangerous document,” he said, arguing it would have given Iran “nuclear weapons three years ago.”
Read more: Khomeini grandson Hassan likely to replace Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader
Earlier in the day, the Pentagon confirmed additional US forces are being deployed to the Middle East, while Trump declined to rule out sending ground troops into Iran and signalled larger waves of airstrikes, signalling a widening conflict.
Separately, Trump told CNN the operation was going "well" but warned the hardest strikes were yet to come. "We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened. The big one is coming soon," he said.
The US president said the biggest surprise so far had been Iran's retaliatory strikes against Arab neighbours, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. "We told them, 'We've got this,' and now they want to fight," he claimed. "They were going to be very little involved and now they insist on being involved.”
Trump revised his earlier claim of 48 Iranian leaders killed, now putting the figure at 49. He also said the US was actively helping the Iranian people beyond military strikes, urging civilians to stay indoors for their safety.
Trump on Sunday called on Iranians to rise and "seize this moment ... and take back your country."
