Washington, March 10: President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel are gaining a “decisive edge” in the ongoing military operations against Iran. He indicated that this conflict could conclude within days. Trump defended recent attacks and warned Iran against attempting to disrupt global energy supplies.
During a press conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, he described the joint military operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” as one of the largest military campaigns in recent years.
Trump stated, “In the past nine days, we have executed some of the most powerful and complex military strikes and operations in the world.”
He claimed that the campaign has significantly damaged Iran’s military capabilities, targeting its navy, drone infrastructure, and missile launch systems.
“We have completely weakened Iran’s military strength. A significant portion of its navy has been sunk at sea,” Trump asserted.
He reported that nearly 50 naval vessels belonging to Iran have been destroyed, stating, “There were about 50 ships. I have just been informed that a total of 51 ships have been destroyed.”
According to the President, the continuous attacks have also severely reduced Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
“Their missile capacity is now around 10 percent or even less,” he added, noting that drone manufacturing facilities are now being targeted.
“We know where they produce drones, and we are attacking each of those sites one by one,” he said.
Trump mentioned that over 5,000 targets have been struck during this operation, including weapons depots, missile launchers, and production centers.
“More than 5,000 targets have been attacked, including several large military bases,” he noted.
He also stated that long-range B-2 bombers have destroyed several critical weapon systems.
“Our B-2 bombers recently dropped multiple 2,000-pound bombs, destroying missile launchers hidden deep underground in various parts of Iran,” he explained.
Trump claimed that this campaign has prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He referenced previous attacks, including “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
“If we hadn’t acted under the Midnight Hammer operation, Iran would have had nuclear weapons and would have used them long ago,” he said.
He also mentioned that Iran had rejected a diplomatic proposal related to nuclear energy for civilian use.
“They were offered free nuclear fuel for civilian use indefinitely, but they turned it down,” Trump stated.
He warned Iran not to attempt to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies.
“The Strait of Hormuz will remain secure. If Iran tries to obstruct shipping there, it will face even harsher consequences,” he warned.
Trump announced that the U.S. will provide political risk insurance for commercial oil tankers operating in the Gulf region. When asked how long the conflict might last, he suggested that military actions could conclude soon.
“It could take just a few days. I believe it could end soon,” he remarked.
Trump also revealed that he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “I had a good conversation with President Putin. We discussed the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.”
During the press briefing, Trump acknowledged that eight U.S. soldiers have died in connection with this conflict, noting that the families of the fallen soldiers have urged him to continue the campaign.
The U.S. began its attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear sites as tensions escalated between Iran and Israel. Washington claims that this situation poses a threat to regional stability and global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most vital oil routes, with nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption passing through this narrow maritime passage. Any disruption here could raise significant concerns for international markets.
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