WASHINGTON: The United States President Donald Trump on Monday suggested for the first time that the ongoing US military campaign in Iran could be nearing its conclusion, stating that the conflict was “very complete” and progressing faster than expected.
Trump said US forces had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities. “I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force,” he said, reasserting earlier battle damage assessments.
The US president also indicated that the conflict was advancing well ahead of the original four- to five-week timeline he had outlined earlier.
The tensions in the Middle East remained high. On the same day, Iranian forces launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks targeting regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
The escalation comes amid a leadership transition in Iran, where Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader Ali Khamenei, assumed power following his father’s assassination.
The conflict has also shaken global financial markets and energy supplies. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel on Monday their highest level since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, after Iran effectively blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply normally passes.
In this sense, Emmanuel Macron said that France and its allies were working on a “purely defensive” maritime mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides.
The plan could involve naval escorts for commercial vessels passing through the waterway.
Meanwhile, Iran’s allies, including groups in Yemen and Lebanon, pledged support for Tehran, while Vladimir Putin expressed “unwavering support” for the country’s leadership.
