WSJ: Aides kept Trump out of Iran war room fearing 'impatience wouldn’t help'
Aides kept US President Donald Trump out of the room during minute-by-minute updates on operations involving Iran, instead briefing him at key moments because they believed his impatience would not be helpful, a senior administration official told The Wall Street Journal.
After being informed that an American jet had been shot down with two airmen missing, Trump “screamed at aides for hours” and repeatedly said, “The Europeans aren’t helping,” according to the report.
It said he also referred to the Iran hostage crisis, warning, “If you look at what happened with Jimmy Carter… it cost them the election.”
The report said Trump demanded immediate action but faced logistical challenges as US forces have not operated on the ground in Iran since 1979.
It added that he resisted sending troops to seize Kharg Island, which handles most of Iran’s oil exports, despite being told the mission could succeed. “They’ll be sitting ducks,” Trump said, citing concerns over potential casualties.
US President Trump signs an order about easing restrictions on mental health treatments at the White House in Washington on 18 April 2026. REUTERS