Khaberni - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States continues in collaboration with Israel to carry out large-scale military operations against Iran, confirming that American forces have managed to destroy Iranian missile capabilities during the ongoing attacks.
Trump made the statements during an event at the White House to honor the Inter Miami team after their win in the American soccer league championship, where he entered the East Room accompanied by team star and Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi to signal the start of the celebration ceremonies.
Trump added to reporters that American forces also destroyed 24 Iranian ships over the past three days, noting that the military operations are progressing at a much faster pace than scheduled, and on a scale he described as unprecedented.
He explained that American forces continue to destroy more of Iran's capabilities in missiles and drones at an ongoing pace, saying that these operations are being carried out in a way no one expected.
Trump confirmed that his country had no choice but to strike militarily, adding "If we hadn't hit them, they would have attacked us."
In related context, the American president indicated that his administration is working on measures that aim to alleviate the pressures on oil markets due to the war's repercussions.
Call to Lay Down Arms
In a direct message to the Iranian security institutions, Trump called on members of the Revolutionary Guard, the army, and the police to lay down their weapons, warning that they "will face nothing but death" if they continue to fight. He also urged them to stand with the Iranian people and contribute to "restoring the country."
The American president also urged Iranian diplomats around the world to seek asylum and participate in forming a "new and better Iran," affirming that the United States is prepared to grant immunity to security members who decide to stop fighting and stand with the people.
Trump added that the United States will ensure that the new leadership in Iran does not pose any threat to its neighbors or to Washington.
In previous statements to "ABC" network, Trump said that the American strikes had destroyed about 58% of Iranian missile launch platforms, adding that the magnitude of destruction wrought on Iran will require about 10 years before it can rebuild its capabilities.
Regarding the course of military operations, the American president said some parties believe that the war has already ended, but he added "for me, it has not ended yet, and it will end when I decide it has ended."
Furthermore, Trump clarified that the United States does not desire any future leader of Iran without its approval, saying the goal is to avoid a return of the same threat in the future.
The Military Operations Continue
In the meantime, American War Minister Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States has sufficient ammunition and military equipment to continue its operations against Iran for a long time, emphasizing that Washington will not scale back its operations as long as necessity dictates.
Hegseth said that the Iranian gamble on the United States not standing long in the war represents "miscalculations," pointing out that the Revolutionary Guard underestimates the capabilities and will of American forces. He added, "We do not suffer any shortage of ammunition, and we can continue this war for a long time."
The War Minister denied what he described as Iranian propaganda about downing an American aircraft, asserting that Tehran seeks to "spread lies to improve its image before its people."
Politically, Hegseth noted that Trump will have a role in determining who will lead Iran in the future. He also confirmed that there are no American plans to host refugees from the Middle East, noting that countries in the region are capable of accommodating them.
In this regard, Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper stated that military operations against Iran are progressing "at a fast pace" and are being executed according to the plans laid out, confirming that American forces have decisively destroyed Iranian air defense systems.
Cooper added that American forces are continuing to dismantle and destroy Iranian missile capabilities, noting that Iranian ballistic missile launches had decreased by 90%, while drone use fell by 80% as a result of the American strikes.
Cooper revealed that American forces destroyed 24 Iranian warships, adding that President Trump issued directives to destroy the Iranian naval base to eliminate its ability to rebuild its fleet.
Cooper also mentioned that the United States possesses additional operational capabilities - not disclosed - in countering Iranian drones and shooting them down.
Since last Saturday, Israel and the United States have been waging a war on Iran named "Lion's Roar" by Tel Aviv, while Washington called it "Epic Wrath." The strikes resulted in the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of senior security and military officials, as well as civilians, and Tehran responded with a counter-operation named "Sincere Promise 4."
