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U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had inflicted serious damage on Iran and could "maybe go a little further," speaking to reporters as he left the White House for a campaign rally in Iowa.

Trump also declined to give a clear assessment of the Russia-Ukraine war, would not comment on whether he called Elon Musk about Starlink restrictions for the Ukrainian military, and said he had not yet thought about backing Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election.

Trump on Iran and voter reactions

Asked whether voters were satisfied with the situation over Iran, the war and fuel prices ahead of the congressional midterm elections on November 3, Trump said some people were happy and some were not.

"Some people love it, while others don't. Everything has its price. But many people who love this country really liked it," he said, arguing that the United States had seriously harmed Iran in many ways. "We beat them badly and maybe we can go a little further," Trump added.

No clear answer on Russia and Ukraine

Trump gave no definitive response when asked about the course of the Russia-Ukraine war. Pressed on comments by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy that recent Russian strikes were "proof that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not want peace," Trump replied, "Let's see how this process ends. Events like this happen all the time."

Question about Starlink service

Trump was also asked whether he had called Elon Musk to press for the lifting of restrictions on the internet service that Musk's Starlink satellite company provides to the Ukrainian military.

Trump said he had a very good relationship with Musk but declined to comment further. "Whether he is called by me or someone else does not change anything; what matters is that he (Musk) restores this service," he said.

No decision yet on 2028

Asked whether he would support Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 U.S. presidential election, Trump said he had not thought about the question enough yet.

"Frankly, I have not thought about this yet. We have plenty of time to think about it, there is more time," Trump said.

Key takeaways

• Trump said the U.S. had "beat" Iran badly and could "maybe go a little further."
• He acknowledged mixed voter reactions over Iran, the war and fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
• Trump declined to say whether he contacted Elon Musk about restoring Starlink services to Ukraine's military.
• He said there is still plenty of time to consider backing JD Vance in 2028.