By President Donald Trump said Monday that a former U.S. president privately told him he regretted not taking more aggressive military action against Iran while in office, offering the account during a White House signing ceremony as the current conflict enters its third week.
Speaking to reporters after signing legislation, Trump described a recent conversation with the unnamed former leader, framing it as validation of his administration’s ongoing military campaign.
“I’ve spoken to a certain president, who I like actually… a former president,” Trump said. “He said, ‘I wish I did it’… but they didn’t do it. I’m doing it. I can’t tell you [who it is]. I don’t want to embarrass him. It would be very bad for his career, even though he’s got no career left.”
Trump did not identify the former president. However, speculation online has focused in part on Bill Clinton, citing Trump’s past comments expressing personal regard for him, though no confirmation has been provided.
🚨 WOW! President Trump just revealed he spoke to a US President who privately WISHES he did what Trump is doing to Iran
"I've spoken to a certain president, who I like actually, a past president, former president, he said, 'I wish I did it, I wish I did,' but they didn't do it.… pic.twitter.com/ycHnjFsIGm
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 16, 2026
The remarks come as the United States continues Operation Epic Fury, a large-scale military campaign launched in late February alongside Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile systems, and energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island. The opening phase of the operation reportedly included strikes that killed senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
According to U.S. Central Command, more than 5,500 targets have been struck since the campaign began. Officials say the operation has significantly reduced Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, naval forces, and its ability to conduct proxy attacks in the region.
Administration officials have pointed to a decline in Iranian retaliatory missile and drone launches in recent days, attributing the drop to sustained damage to Iran’s launch systems and command infrastructure.
They have also taken out most of Iran’s radical Islamic leadership.
Trump’s comments appeared to reinforce the administration’s broader argument that prior U.S. policy toward Iran was too restrained and that the current operation is necessary to eliminate long-standing threats, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups.
The conflict has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Polling shows that while a majority of Americans support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, support declines for a broader or prolonged military engagement.
Allies of the administration have praised the operation as a demonstration of “peace through strength,” while critics have raised concerns about escalation, regional instability, and the potential costs in lives and resources. Most have speculated that the president that Trump is referring to is Joe Biden or Bill Clinton.
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