President Donald Trump said U.S. military strikes against Iran under Operation Epic Fury are progressing faster than expected. Speaking with Fox News anchor Bret Baier in a phone call on Saturday, March 8, 2026, Trump praised the speed and precision of the operation, noting that dozens of Iranian leaders had already been targeted. He described the intelligence guiding the mission as “truly amazing” and said the plan was unfolding effectively.
Baier shared the president’s comments during a segment on America’s Newsroom. According to Baier, Trump said the operation was “ahead of where they thought they would be.” The president also expressed confidence that the removal of key leaders could create pressure within Iran’s leadership structure. While acknowledging the seriousness of the conflict and the human cost, Trump said he believed the mission was moving in the right direction. One detail that drew attention was the timing of the strikes. Trump explained that several attacks occurred during daylight hours, which he said caught Iranian officials off guard. Many of the targeted leaders reportedly believed daytime offered a measure of safety because aircraft would be easier to detect. However, advanced U.S. intelligence and precision targeting allowed forces to strike effectively despite those assumptions.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine outlined the broader objectives of the campaign. They emphasized a focused mission aimed at destroying Iranian missile systems, production facilities, naval assets, and infrastructure connected to nuclear development. Officials insist the goal is not a prolonged war but a decisive operation targeting specific threats. The strategy centers on weakening Iran’s military capabilities while avoiding the type of long-term conflict seen in previous U.S. interventions.
