Trump Claims ‘Decisive Victory’ Over Iran, Says Navy Destroyed And Strait Of Hormuz Threat Reduced

U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces have heavily damaged Iran’s military, including its navy, air force and missile systems, during the ongoing conflict.

Speaking in a televised address from the White House, Trump said the U.S. military had carried out “swift and decisive” operations under Operation Epic Fury.

He claimed that Iran’s navy is “gone,” its air force is “in ruins,” and its missile stockpile is “almost used up or beaten.” He said that over the past month, U.S. strikes have reduced Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones.

According to him, weapons factories and rocket launchers are being destroyed, and the command structure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is being weakened.

Trump said the main goal of the campaign was to stop Iran from threatening the U.S. and its allies and to limit its ability to operate beyond its borders. He added that these objectives are now close to being achieved.

He linked the military action to the safety of global shipping, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil tankers. He said countries that depend on oil passing through the strait should take responsibility for protecting it and keeping it open.

Trump said the U.S. will not allow its Middle East allies to be harmed. He also said that once the conflict ends, the strait will reopen fully and oil will flow normally again. He added that fuel prices could come down after the war ends.

At the same time, he warned that the U.S. will continue strikes over the next two to three weeks and could hit Iran “extremely hard” if no agreement is reached.

He said potential targets include important infrastructure such as power plants. However, he added that the U.S. has not targeted Iran’s oil facilities so far.

Trump said regime change was not an official goal, but claimed that leadership changes have already happened in Iran due to the conflict.

He also said the military action was taken because Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons. He claimed that Iran continued its efforts despite diplomatic attempts.

He referred to earlier U.S. strikes on nuclear sites in June under Operation Midnight Hammer, saying B-2 bombers were used in that mission.

Trump also said the U.S. could take control of Iran’s oil resources but added that many Americans want the war to end quickly rather than continue such efforts. He said public opinion is focused on finishing the conflict and bringing troops back.

He called on countries that rely on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to “take it, protect it and use it,” saying they should play a bigger role in securing the route.

Shortly after the speech, reports from international media said Iran launched missiles toward Israel, showing that the conflict is still active.

Trump said the U.S. is close to completing its military objectives but did not give a clear timeline for the end of the war. The speech came at a time when support for the war in the U.S. is low, and officials have indicated that a withdrawal could happen soon.

References: hindustantimes, usatoday