White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the United States is very close to meeting the core objectives of its military operation in Iran, describing the campaign as a "resounding military triumph" that is ahead of schedule.
Leavitt told reporters at the White House briefing that Operation Epic Fury has decimated Iran's navy and is working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been restricted since the start of the war on Feb. 28.
"That's why you're beginning to see the regime look for an exit ramp," Leavitt said. "They recognize they are being crushed, their ability to attack American and allied forces, as well as their ability to defend their own territory is dwindling literally hour by hour."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative Republicans have largely supported the administration's hardline stance on Iran, praising what they describe as a successful military campaign. House Republican leadership has backed the president's approach, with members framing the operation as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has been a vocal supporter of maximum pressure on Iran, arguing that the military campaign is achieving objectives that diplomatic negotiations could not. Conservative commentators have praised the administration's willingness to use force to protect U.S. interests and allies.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the administration's position Tuesday, stating "we negotiate with bombs" during a swearing-in ceremony. He indicated the U.S. would continue military operations until Iran abandons its nuclear program, saying the president has made clear that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats have expressed caution about the escalating tensions, with some calling for congressional oversight of military operations. Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have urged the administration to pursue diplomatic solutions and avoid what they characterize as unnecessary military escalation.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) has been among those advocating for Congress to assert its war powers, arguing that any further military action against Iran should require explicit congressional authorization. Progressive advocates have also raised concerns about the humanitarian implications of expanded military operations in the region.
Human rights organizations have called for de-escalation, noting that further military conflict could worsen the humanitarian situation for Iranian civilians and increase instability across the Middle East. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has warned that a full-scale military confrontation could disrupt global energy markets and harm U.S. allies in the region.
What the Numbers Show
Oil prices have fluctuated throughout the conflict as the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with roughly 20% of the world's oil passing through its waters.
The U.S. presented a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran, delivered through Pakistan, addressing Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear program as well as the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected this proposal outright, calling it "a deception aimed at measuring tensions" in a document shared by the Iranian Embassy in India.
Iran's counter-proposal includes demands for: a complete end to U.S. aggression, war reparations, a region-wide ceasefire, and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Neither proposal is likely to be accepted by the other side without significant modifications.
The Pentagon has indicated strikes on Iran's power plants and energy infrastructure were paused for one week to allow for negotiations, though Iranian officials maintain no productive talks are taking place.
The Bottom Line
The divergent public positions from Washington and Tehran highlight the wide gulf between both sides as the conflict continues. The White House maintains it is achieving its military objectives and has offered Iran an opportunity to negotiate a deal that includes abandoning nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the U.S. proposal and presented its own terms, while vowing relentless attacks if its territory is occupied.
President Trump has warned that if Iran fails to accept "the reality of the current moment" and understand it has been defeated militarily, the U.S. will "hit them harder than they have ever been hit before." The administration has emphasized that the president does not bluff.
What to watch: Whether diplomatic channels can bridge the gap between the two proposals, whether Iran accepts any terms for negotiations, and how global energy markets react to continued uncertainty in the region.