U.S. President Donald Trump remains firm in his belief that heavy military strikes will force Iran’s leaders to negotiate on his terms, despite nearly five months of conflict. In a Fox News interview, Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran refuses talks. The campaign, which began in late February, saw the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top commanders in an Israeli strike, followed by extensive U.S. attacks on Iranian military targets. A ceasefire in April collapsed this month, reigniting hostilities.

The conflict has revived debates within the Pentagon and the White House over the limits of American military power and lessons from past wars. Officials note that Iran has rebuilt much of its missile and drone infrastructure, while Trump’s threats to hit civilian infrastructure have raised internal legal concerns about potential war crimes. Retired generals remain divided: some argue for intensified strikes on Iran’s power grid, while others warn that excessive force rarely secures lasting victory.

Analysts suggest the U.S. faces a hardened Iranian leadership unwilling to compromise, echoing past failures to turn battlefield success into political resolution.