It’s a War With Iran, Not an “Intervention”

President Donald Trump has openly framed the U.S. campaign against Iran as a war while often using euphemisms in official statements.

“Wars have been distinctly out of fashion as of late, especially since the quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan”

The Intercept

He said the United States launched 'major combat operations' and later referred to the conflict as a 'war' to prepare the public for casualties.

The Intercept

Trump told supporters that 'wars can be fought 'forever'' and when asked about homeland risk replied, 'I guess,' adding, 'When you go to war, some people will die.'

The article notes U.S. stealth bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities last June, and that War Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed past quagmires while projecting variable estimates for the campaign's length.

Political leaders from both parties have struggled to name the conflict consistently, frequently using softer labels while sometimes contradicting themselves.

Vice President JD Vance claimed the United States was only at war with 'Iran’s nuclear program.'

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House Speaker Mike Johnson called Operation Epic Fury an 'operation' limited in scope.

The House Republican Foreign Affairs Committee published imagery claiming President Trump was ending a 47-year 'forever war' waged by Iran.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin first declared 'This is war,' then softened his language and has since been nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Some Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman and Rep. Greg Landsman, echoed hawkish language, while Rep. Jared Golden and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used cautious or administratively framed terms.

Operational talk has moved from airpower-only claims toward planning for larger ground or targeted operations as obstacles persist and Iran continues to strike back.

“Wars have been distinctly out of fashion as of late, especially since the quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan”

The Intercept

The article reports Trump has demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and that the White House has discussed deciding Iran's next leader after 'their assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.'

The piece notes Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader elected by the Assembly of Experts and that Trump called him 'unacceptable.'

Reports describe consideration of seizing enriched uranium in Isfahan, potential involvement of Israeli special forces, plans to seize Kharg Island, and proposals to control the Strait of Hormuz.

The article observes Iranian missiles continue striking Israel with varying cadence and quotes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi telling NBC's Tom Llamas, 'No, we are waiting for them.'

Alongside the conflict reporting, The Intercept presents a dire assessment of domestic politics and media freedom, calling the situation 'a full-on authoritarian takeover of the U.S. government' and stating this is 'not hyperbole.'

The piece lists actions it attributes to the Trump administration and its allies: ignoring court orders, placing MAGA loyalists in charge of the military and federal law enforcement, creating a Department of Government Efficiency that it says stripped Congress of the power of the purse, and targeting news outlets that challenge the administration.

The Intercept

The article's editor-in-chief, Ben Muessig, warns journalism faces 'the worst in modern U.S. history' and urges readers to support The Intercept's independent reporting.