In an interview with Hugh Hewitt's podcast, in response to a question that it would be a defeat for him if the hardliners in Iran were still in power until the end of his term, Trump said: "Yes, I would say it would be a defeat. definitely".
That question came up after Hewitt put what he called "the destruction of Iran's nuclear program" at the top of the list of accomplishments of Trump's presidency. Trump did not object to the order of the list and said that his administration's actions at the US border should be added to it.
He said he would not hesitate to take military action again against the Iranian government and was ready to continue the naval blockade.