Aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump proclaimed Iran’s military apparatus severely compromised one week into the US-Israel campaign against Tehran, started February 28. Devastating naval losses—44 ships sunk—preceded total air force annihilation and the ruin of 70% of rocket launchers, vital yet vulnerable assets.
Iran’s counterstrikes have nosedived to 9% capacity, reflecting shattered production and command. Trump detailed leadership purges: ‘Eliminated the heads, then deputies—left with unknowns at the helm.’ This has eroded cohesion.
No end date set; actions persist as needed. Trump leveraged superiority: ‘Maximum negotiating power—they’ll want terms, but not now.’ Apologies to struck neighbors signal retreat, per Trump: ‘That’s surrender.’
He rejected school bombing claims, pinning on Iran, saw zero Russian role, and excluded Kurds: ‘Great friends, but no added mess.’ Post-war Iran? ‘Might look different.’ The mission: permanent threat reduction for global safety.