For weeks, Donald Trump has blasted Iran as a “fanatical regime” he could crush in days. Now, after downed jets, shredded helicopters and a rescue op deep inside Iran, the tone has shifted. In a White House event, Trump grudgingly admitted Iranians are “capable fighters” and “very tough people,” before insisting they’re “not too strong” anymore. The awkward praise comes as Black Hawks, A‑10s and drones keep running into Iranian fire, and Mojtaba Khamenei’s forces claim new victories. Is this a rare moment of candour—or a nervous attempt to spin a grinding war?