US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened, asserting that American forces are systematically dismantling the country’s leadership and defence infrastructure as the conflict with Tehran entered its 34th day.
Addressing the nation, Trump outlined plans to intensify military operations over the next two to three weeks, warning that US forces would strike Iran “extremely hard” and reiterating threats against key infrastructure, including power plants.
‘Iran’s Military in Ruins’: Trump
In a strongly worded address, the president said Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been largely neutralised.
“Tonight, Iran’s navy is gone, their air force is in ruins, their leaders, most of them… are now dead,” Trump said, adding that the command structure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was being “decimated”.
He further claimed that Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones had been “dramatically curtailed”, with weapons facilities and launch systems being destroyed.
“Our enemies are losing… and America is winning, and now, winning bigger than ever before,” he said.
Push for Quick End, Warning to Allies
Trump said the United States aims to “finish the job very fast” and stressed that it would not allow its allies in the Middle East to be harmed.
At the same time, he called on other countries, including US allies, to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit route currently under Iran’s influence.
He urged nations to show “courage” and “take care” of the waterway, signalling a shift in expectations around shared security responsibilities.
Reiterates Hardline Stance on Iran
Reaffirming his long-standing position, Trump said he would never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
“From the very first day I announced my campaign, I have vowed that I would NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he said, criticising past US policy towards Tehran.
The president also pointed to actions taken during his tenure, including the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal signed under former President Barack Obama.
“Essentially, I did what no other president was willing to do… they made mistakes, and I am correcting them,” Trump said.
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