Washington: As the US-Israel military campaign against Iran entered the 15th day on Saturday, President Donald Trump proclaimed Tehran “totally defeated” by sustained operations and desperate for negotiations, though he firmly ruled out accepting any proposal from the Islamic Republic.
Trump shared this assessment via Truth Social, commending US troops and faulting news outlets for understating their achievements. “The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT,” he posted.
These comments come amid persistent Middle East strains from the expanding war involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The day prior saw American forces strike Kharg Island, Iran’s vital Persian Gulf oil export centre.
According to Trump, the attacks eliminated military installations without touching energy setups yet. He cautioned
that such facilities might face future hits should Iran hinder global shipping via the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of worldwide oil trade.
Tehran has warned its readiness for fiercer responses. Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf had earlier noted that assaults on the nation’s southern sea borders might compel Iran to drop its caution.
Fighting has now expanded to multiple Gulf nations, featuring Iranian missile and drone volleys toward Israel and neighbours, countered by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian defenses and assets. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that operations have neutralized over 15,000 targets within Iran. Separately, Israeli authorities reported their jets struck more than 200 locations in one day alone, targeting missile batteries, radar networks, and arms production sites.
The US is ramping up regional forces with officials detailing the dispatch of about 2,500 extra Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit on the USS Tripoli, an amphibious vessel suited for assaults, embassy protection, civilian extractions, and aid missions. A US flotilla, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, already patrols the Arabian Sea.
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of the war can also be felt in Lebanon where Israeli operations against Iran-supported groups have killed nearly 800 and displaced around 850,000.