President Donald Trump delivered a stark assessment of Iran’s diminished capabilities amid ongoing hostilities, asserting from Air Force One that Tehran’s military is ‘almost gone’ after US and Israeli forces unleashed fury since February 28. The week’s actions have ravaged the navy (44 ships lost), air force (all planes down), and critically, 70% of rocket launchers.
These launchers, pricey and scarce, form the backbone of Iran’s missile threat. Their destruction has throttled offensive potential—attacks now at 9% of day-one ferocity. Trump described a sequential dismantling: navy first, then skies, missiles next, compounded by leadership losses. ‘Top guys gone, backups too—now nobodies lead,’ he quipped.
Military pressure mounts without rush to talks. ‘Huge leverage means they beg for deals; we’re not interested yet,’ Trump stated. Signs of Iranian backpedaling include apologies to regional victims, equated to capitulation.
Trump evaded duration questions: ‘Whatever it takes.’ He dismissed school strike accusations as Iranian propaganda, denied Russian support, and barred Kurdish participation despite friendship: ‘Don’t want to complicate.’ Iran’s map may redraw post-conflict.
Framed as a quest for enduring peace, Trump promised: ‘A safer world awaits the finish.’ The operation underscores America’s resolve to neutralize persistent dangers.