US President Donald Trump has made a series of dramatic claims about Iran, global conflicts, and US military actions, saying Tehran’s leadership is weakened and negotiations are underway.
Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Florida, Trump said Iran’s leadership has been severely impacted.
He claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader is either dead or no longer in control, adding that his son is either dead or in a very bad condition, noting that “nobody has heard from him.”
Trump described Iran as a long-time “bully” in the Middle East but claimed its influence is now declining due to US military action. He said Iranian “terror aggression” and “nuclear blackmail” had shaped its regional behaviour for decades, but insisted the country is now “on the run.”
US military operation
The US president credited ongoing military efforts, including what he referred to as “Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Midnight Hammer,” for weakening Iran’s capabilities.
He claimed the US has already struck thousands of targets and still has around 3,450 to 3,554 targets remaining, adding that operations could be completed “within weeks.” Trump also said the US has deployed forces, including Marines and airborne troops, to maintain strategic flexibility.
Also Read: Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian FMs to visit Islamabad tomorrow for talks
Trump emphasized that negotiations with Iran are ongoing but insisted that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He even joked about renaming it the “Strait of Trump,” while warning that reopening the key global oil route is a condition for any deal.
Middle East conflict spreads
The US president highlighted ongoing missile exchanges across the region, including Iranian attacks on Israel and strikes in Gulf countries. He noted that attacks had impacted Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, while also acknowledging that such developments were unexpected.
Also Read: Iran injures 12 US troops in Prince Sultan Air Base attack
The conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets, with oil prices surging and inflation concerns rising worldwide. Trump said the war has caused one of the biggest disruptions to energy supplies, affecting economies globally.
Trump’s remarks on Pakistan-India tensions
Trump also claimed he had stopped multiple global conflicts, including tensions between Pakistan and India. He said both countries had shot down nine aircraft within a week and warned he would impose a 250% tariff if the conflict continued.
Also Read: Iran warns of 'heavy price' after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites
Praising Pakistan’s leadership, Trump called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “the best personality” and credited him with helping prevent a nuclear war, saying it saved the lives of 30 to 50 million people.
NATO criticism and alliance
The US president criticized NATO for not supporting the Iran conflict, calling it a “tremendous mistake". He warned that the US may reconsider its commitments, stating that allies who did not support Washington might not receive support in the future.
Despite criticism of NATO, Trump praised several countries for their support, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Türkiye, and Indonesia. He also described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “great leader” and said Türkiye played a constructive role.
Claims of regime change
Trump claimed that “regime change” in Tehran has effectively already occurred, asserting that Iran’s military capabilities, including its air force and air defenses, have been severely damaged.
He also suggested that Cuba could be a future target, saying that while he prefers not to use military force, “sometimes it must be used.”
Trump said the region is on the brink of transformation and claimed the Middle East could soon be free from Iranian influence. He expressed optimism that more countries would join the Abraham Accords, describing the region’s future as brighter than ever.
