Trump Considered Volatile Regarding Iran War Goals, US Secretary of State Optimistic about Successful Military Operations

JAKARTA - US Secretary of State (Menlu) Marco Rubio emphasized the Donald Trump administration's focus in the war against Iran is to achieve the goal of military operations.

"Achieving the goal [of the military operation]," Rubio told Al Jazeera, Monday, March 30.

"And that's what we keep trying," he continued.

The Trump administration is seen as having a shifting war aim in launching the attack on Iran which has fuelled uncertainty over its motives and exit strategy.

Trump announced the massive US-Israeli air attack on Iran began on February 28, 2026 in an eight-minute video uploaded to the social media Truth Social.

In the video, Trump said he had launched a military operation 'Operation Epic Fury' with Israel to attack Iran with an initial focus on defense and limiting Iran's military capabilities.

"We will destroy their missiles and lay their missile industry to the ground. The industry will be completely destroyed again," Trump said in the video.

After the first bomb hit Tehran, Trump had framed the conflict by telling the Washington Post on February 28 by telephone that the goal of waging war was "freedom" for the Iranian people.

Within a short time, the narrative changed again, Trump then hinted at dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime and demanded that Iran surrender or face death.

Amid the attacks, Trump has at times claimed to be close to an agreement and wants a peaceful solution with Iran.

Trump also sparked controversy with his unilateral desire to "take over" Iran's energy facilities, so that an attack would have the effect of turning the Strait of Hormuz into a war zone.

The Trump administration's inconsistent war goals were also seen as creating policy ambiguity, with Trump claiming quick victories while military operations continued.