US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces have effectively defeated Iran militarily, saying Tehran has lost most of its combat capabilities.
In a media interview, Trump also warned that new attacks targeting Iranian drone manufacturing facilities could begin soon.
Speaking to the media, President Donald Trump said the United States has “practically defeated Iran.”
“They can retaliate a little bit,” Trump said, but claimed that US strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military strength.
According to Trump, American operations have destroyed Iran’s air force and navy, while its air defense systems have also been eliminated.
“Iran has no air defense left,” he said, adding that US forces have targeted Iranian leadership two or three times during the conflict.
Iran seeking talks but not ready for conditions
Trump said Iran is desperate to negotiate but has not yet accepted the conditions Washington believes are necessary for talks.
“They want to negotiate desperately, but they are not ready to take the steps they will have to take,” Trump said.
He added that Tehran could agree to those steps “at any time.”
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The US president also claimed Iran’s remaining combat power is now very limited. According to Trump, Iran now has very few missiles left, noting that Tehran never had large numbers to begin with.
He also said the US has severely damaged Iran’s weapons capabilities, including its drone program.
“The number of drones has decreased to about 20%,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that Iran remains a tough competitor, but insisted its ability to produce drones has been significantly reduced.
New strikes planned on drone sites
Trump announced that the United States is preparing to launch additional attacks on facilities used to manufacture drones.
“Starting tomorrow, we are attacking places where drones are manufactured,” he said.
The statement signals the possibility of further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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The US president also called on other countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. He said Washington is already holding discussions with other nations about protecting the waterway.
Trump noted that around 90% of China’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Beijing should also have an interest in securing the route.
‘Countries should protect their interests’
According to Trump, countries that depend on the strait for energy supplies should take responsibility for protecting it.
“These countries should come and protect their interests and their own territory,” he said. Trump also suggested the United States does not necessarily need to be directly involved.
Also Read: Trump warns NATO, presses China to help reopen Strait of Hormuz
“Maybe we shouldn’t be there because we don’t need it,” he said. However, he added that the US is acting partly to support allied nations that rely on the strategic waterway.
“We are doing this for some of our very good allies,” Trump said.
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