President Trump described the more‑than‑six‑month US‑Iran confrontation as "not
a big deal," calling it a military conflict rather than a war and saying US
operations have been intermittent. He cited 18 US service members killed,
contrasted that toll with Vietnam and Afghanistan and said the US has achieved
"significant results." Polls show low public approval of his handling; the
confrontation has pushed energy prices higher and raises risks to Republicans
control of Congress in the November midterms. Democrats have criticized
administration comments that downplay the fighting.
