US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed major successes in the ongoing military operations against Iran, saying the United States had effectively “won the war” but would not leave until its objectives were fully achieved.
Addressing a rally in Kentucky, President Trump said the US had attracted $18 trillion in investment in the past 11 months, compared to just $1 trillion during the four-year tenure of Joe Biden.
Trump alleged that Iran had been “killing its own people for 47 years,” adding that the US military was carrying out intense strikes against Iranian targets.
The US president claimed that American forces had destroyed 58 Iranian aircraft and 31 boats used to plant naval mines. He further said that Iranian drone attacks had decreased by 98% following the US operations.
Speaking about Operation Epic Fury, Trump said the United States had effectively won the war within the first hour of the operation. He claimed that the Iranian navy had been sunk at sea and that naval mines planted in the Strait of Hormuz were cleared within a single night.
Trump also claimed that Iran’s nuclear capability had been wiped out, its air force completely destroyed, and that the country no longer possessed an operational radar system.
The US president said that although the war had been won, Washington was not ready to withdraw immediately, stressing that the mission must be fully completed.
Criticising policies of former US president Barack Obama, Trump said the situation might not have escalated had the Iran nuclear deal from Obama’s era not been terminated.
During the rally, Trump briefly paused his speech after a supporter standing behind him fainted. He immediately called for medical staff to assist the individual.
Trump also stated that global oil prices were declining, adding that the US was completing its objectives faster than expected.
“We do not want to return there every two years,” Trump said, adding that the United States must complete its mission in Iran before leaving.
