President Donald Trump has made the bold claim that there is “nothing left” of the Iranian military in a conventional sense following a week of intense strikes. Trump stated that the war is “very complete, pretty much,” citing the destruction of Iran’s navy, air force, and communication systems. He described the intervention as a “short-term excursion” that was necessary to remove a major threat to global security.
The President’s assessment comes amid a transition of power in Tehran, where Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new Supreme Leader. Trump has dismissed the appointment, suggesting that the regime is in a state of terminal decline. He urged Iranians to seize the moment and take back their country, a theme he has returned to frequently during the conflict.
The war has also involved significant operations in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. Trump has praised the military’s performance, stating that the U.S. and its allies are “far ahead of schedule.” However, he also admitted that while much has been won, the coalition has “not won enough” to fully end the campaign.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been a primary concern for the international community, leading to a spike in oil prices. Trump has threatened to hit Iran “twenty times harder” if they continue to block shipping lanes, a warning that helped stabilize energy markets. The President is also considering a more direct U.S. role in securing the strait.
Humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the impact of the war on civilians, with reports of schools and residential areas being hit. Trump has suggested that some of these incidents might be the work of “somebody else,” rather than the U.S. or Israel. As the war enters its second week, the focus remains on the President’s ability to bring the conflict to a swift and favorable conclusion.