As Washington insists the Iran war’s core goals are met, the Pentagon is reportedly mapping out limited ground operations—raids on coastal positions and Kharg Island, the lifeline of Iran’s oil exports. Trump claims the conflict is “won,” yet the military is planning for something that looks like the opposite of closure. That contradiction has left allies deeply uneasy, and one of America’s closest partners is now saying so out loud.

In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese openly challenged Trump’s narrative, accusing Washington of failing to explain its real objectives. He agreed Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional power projection have been sharply curbed, but warned that the third goal—regime change—could be disastrous if imposed from outside. Citing history’s failures, he urged de‑escalation, even while condemning Tehran’s brutal repression of women and minorities. His message was unmistakable: without clarity and restraint, this “victory” could yet spiral into a wider, uncontrollable war.