'Americans aren't against the war': Trump claims public backs Iran conflict

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump pushed back against claims that Americans are turning against the US war with Iran, insisting public concern is centered on rising gasoline prices rather than opposition to the conflict itself.

His remarks came as he prepared to travel to Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of four US service members killed in the fighting. The war has continued to escalate following the collapse of a mid-June ceasefire.

Trump disputes anti-war sentiment

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, July 22, before departing for Delaware, Trump rejected the idea that public opinion had shifted against the military campaign.

"Well, they're going to pay a big price. They're being decimated," Trump said, referring to Iran.

He then challenged the narrative that Americans oppose the war.

"Well, Americans aren't against the war. A poll just came out. Americans don't want high gasoline prices, but they're not against the war. That just came out loud and clear in a poll," Trump said.

Trump also argued that concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions outweighed opposition to continued military action.

"Nobody wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon. You want Iran to have a nuclear weapon? You think it's good?" he asked reporters.

Hours later, Trump reinforced his warning in a Truth Social post, threatening direct retaliation if Iran targets commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran," Trump wrote.

President Trump honors soldiers killed in Iran conflict

Before leaving Washington, Trump announced he was traveling to honor the fallen troops.

"Heading to Dover Air Force Base to HONOR OUR HEROES!" he wrote on social media.

The Pentagon overnight identified Army Sgt Angel S Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, as the third service member killed in Friday's Iranian strike on a US base in Jordan.

The two other soldiers killed in that attack were Pfc Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, and 1st Lt Tyler Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Army Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died Sunday after the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian attack drone at Erbil Air Base in Iraq, according to the Army. 

Fighting intensifies after ceasefire collapse

The Department of Defense said at least 18 US service members have been killed and roughly 500 wounded since the war with Iran began in late February.

The fighting has intensified after a ceasefire reached in mid-June broke down, leading to 11 consecutive nights of strikes.

US Central Command said one service member was killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone in Iraq, while another was wounded.

The command also said it recovered unidentified remains after the Jordan attack and that an examination process to verify the remains is ongoing.