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By Jesus Mesa
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President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025 after promising to end U.S. involvement in “endless wars.” But just over a year into his second term, the United States has launched several major military operations abroad, raising questions about that pledge.
The latest came on February 28, when U.S. forces joined Israel in large-scale strikes against Iran, targeting sites linked to the country’s leadership and military infrastructure. The Trump administration has warned the campaign could expand further, with officials describing the initial strikes as “only the beginning.”
The escalation in Iran joins a series of military actions carried out by the United States during Trump’s second term, including operations in Venezuela, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen.
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Below is an overview of major military actions carried out during the presidencies of Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama.
Donald Trump (2025–Present)
Despite campaigning on ending “endless wars,” the Trump administration has authorized military operations across several regions during its second term, including the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Iran
On February 28, 2026, the United States joined Israel in launching large-scale strikes against Iran. The operation followed earlier U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in June 2025, which Trump said were aimed at crippling Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.
Venezuela
In January 2026, U.S. forces carried out major strikes in Caracas and surrounding areas as part of an operation targeting the government of President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. Special Operations forces later captured Maduro and transported him to the United States to face charges related to narcotics trafficking.
Nigeria
In December 2025, the Trump administration authorized missile and drone strikes in northern Nigeria targeting groups it said were affiliated with ISIS and responsible for attacks against civilians.
Latin America (Drug-Trafficking Operations)
Beginning in September 2025, the United States launched a campaign targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The operations involved U.S. Navy and Air Force assets and were part of an effort to treat certain criminal networks as national security threats.
Somalia
The Trump administration sharply increased airstrikes against al-Shabab and ISIL affiliates during 2025. Monitoring groups reported more than 100 U.S. strikes in Somalia that year.
Yemen
U.S. naval and airstrikes targeted Yemen’s Houthi movement in early 2025 following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Syria and Iraq
U.S. forces continued counter-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria, including a March 2025 strike that killed a senior ISIS commander in Iraq’s Anbar province.
Joe Biden (2021–2025)
President Joe Biden pledged to end major U.S. wars while continuing counterterrorism operations abroad. His administration ended the war in Afghanistan but maintained targeted strikes and military deployments.
Yemen and the Red Sea
Between 2023 and 2024, the United States carried out strikes against Yemen’s Houthis following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The U.S. also launched a multinational maritime security mission to protect shipping lanes.
Jordan / Iraq / Syria
In February 2024, Biden authorized retaliatory strikes on more than 80 targets linked to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria after a drone attack killed three U.S. service members in Jordan.
Afghanistan (Counterterrorism Strike)
In July 2022, the United States killed Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in Kabul.
Afghanistan Withdrawal
In August 2021, the United States withdrew its remaining troops from Afghanistan, ending the 20-year war that began after the September 11 attacks.
Syria and Iraq (ISIS Operations)
Throughout Biden’s presidency, U.S. forces continued operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, including raids carried out with Kurdish and Iraqi partner forces.
Donald Trump (2017–2021)
During his first term, Trump expanded airstrikes against militant groups and authorized several high-profile military operations.
Iran (Soleimani Strike)
In January 2020, a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Syria
In 2017 and 2018, the United States launched missile strikes against Syrian government facilities in response to chemical weapons attacks.
ISIS Campaign
U.S. forces intensified air campaigns against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, supporting local forces that eventually recaptured most territory held by the group.
Afghanistan
Early in his presidency, Trump authorized increased bombing in Afghanistan before negotiating a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban in 2020.
Somalia and Yemen
The administration loosened rules governing airstrikes, contributing to a rise in drone attacks targeting militant groups in Somalia and Yemen.
Barack Obama (2009–2017)
President Barack Obama inherited wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and shifted U.S. strategy toward drone warfare and targeted counterterrorism operations.
Afghanistan Surge
In 2009, Obama authorized the deployment of about 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan.
Iraq War End
The United States formally ended its combat mission in Iraq in 2011, though U.S. forces later returned to fight ISIS.
ISIS Campaign
Beginning in 2014, the United States launched a large air campaign in Iraq and Syria against ISIS.
Libya
In 2011, the United States joined a NATO-led intervention in Libya that helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.
Pakistan (Drone Campaign)
Obama expanded the CIA’s drone program targeting militant groups in Pakistan’s tribal regions.
Operation to Kill Osama bin Laden
In May 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs carried out a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, killing Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Central Africa
In 2011, the U.S. deployed military advisers to support regional forces hunting Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army.
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