Trump says US spared Iran’s key infrastructure: ‘Waiting to see what happens before we hit them'

DORAL, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump said the United States has deliberately avoided striking what he described as Iran’s most critical targets, even as the conflict between the two countries moves into its second week.

Speaking during a press conference in Florida on Monday evening, March 9, Trump explained that the US military has the capability to strike key infrastructure in Iran but has chosen not to do so yet.

Trump says US avoided Iran electricity strikes

During the press conference, Trump revealed that the United States has so far held back from attacking what he called the most important targets inside Iran.

“US has so far held off on hitting the ‘most important’ targets in Iran,” he said while speaking about the current military strategy.

Trump explained that those targets include infrastructure linked to electricity production and other major systems. “If we hit them, it's going to take many years for them to be rebuilt, having to do with electricity production and many other things,” Trump said.

The president suggested that such strikes could cause long-term disruption, which is why the US has not taken that step yet. “We are waiting to see what happens before we hit them,” he added.

Trump calls Iran conflict a military ‘excursion’

While discussing the broader conflict, Trump projected confidence about the direction of the military campaign.

Speaking to reporters, the president referred to the war as an “excursion,” suggesting that he does not expect the fighting to drag on indefinitely.

At the same time, he acknowledged that military operations may not end immediately. Trump indicated that the United States still has several objectives, particularly targeting Iran’s military capabilities.

Among those goals, he said, is weakening Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and reducing the strength of its navy.

The president framed those efforts as necessary steps to limit Iran’s ability to launch further attacks or threaten US interests in the region.

Trump warns oil prices rising amid Iran conflict

Along with discussing military strategy, President Trump also spoke about the economic impact of the conflict.

The president said rising oil prices have been a concern as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global energy markets.

He suggested that stabilizing the situation remains an important goal as the conflict unfolds. Trump also warned Iran against taking actions that could further disrupt oil exports from the region.