The United States military has reportedly struck over three thousand targets in Iran during the first week of the conflict, according to statements made by former President Donald Trump. The remarks come as concerns mount over escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
“I think the war is essentially over,” Trump said, adding that “Iran has no navy, no communication means, no air force. Their missiles are in ruins. Their drones are being shot down, including their manufacturing plants,” CBS News reported. He further asserted, “Look, they don’t have anything left. Militarily, they have nothing left.”
Trump initially estimated the conflict would last approximately one month, stating, “We are way ahead.” He made these comments on a day when the U.S. Department of Defense indicated that the United States “has only just begun to fight.” A post on X accompanied the statement with the phrase “no mercy.”
When asked if he believed the war could conclude soon, Trump stated that “the ending of the war is only in my head and not in anyone else’s head.”
During a subsequent press conference, Trump defended the attack against Iran, arguing that if the United States had not acted, Tehran would have acquired nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.
“It’s going to be over soon, and if it starts again, they’re going to be hit much harder,” Trump said, according to AFP.
Trump reiterated at the beginning of the press conference that the United States was achieving its war objectives faster than anticipated. “51 Iranian ships have been destroyed,” he stated. He also noted that Iranian drone factories were under attack and that there had been an 83 percent decrease in the launch of Iranian drones.
Trump also asserted that Iran had been seeking to develop nuclear weapons. “We were lucky we had the courage to do it, otherwise they would have had a nuclear bomb,” the U.S. President said.
Discussed Oil Supplies
A portion of the conference was dedicated to the topic of oil. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway along Iran’s shores through which approximately 20 percent of global oil supplies pass, has been effectively blocked by the conflict.
Trump suggested that the U.S. Navy could escort tankers through the strait. He also indicated that the U.S. Would lift some oil sanctions to ensure an adequate supply of the energy commodity.
Trump also addressed an incident involving a girls’ school in Iran near a base of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. While Trump initially stated over the weekend that Iran was likely responsible, increasing evidence suggests the school was likely hit during U.S. Bombing of a nearby base.
On Monday, Trump said that many countries use the Tomahawk cruise missile, which analysis by Bellingcat suggests struck the school.
