Iran Conflict: Trump Declares Military Victory
The president stated that 85 percent of Iran's military capabilities are destroyed and defended his defense secretary from a Republican impeachment bid.
By Marco Whitaker ·
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the war with Iran is effectively over.
Speaking during an unscheduled press briefing at the White House, Trump said additional military strikes do not appear necessary at this time. He noted that American forces remain ready to resume major operations if conditions change. The president emphasized that current military pressure is being maintained partly at the request of neighboring countries.
Trump claimed the campaign achieved its primary objectives and described Iran as militarily effective over. He stated that 158 Iranian ships are underwater and 268 aircraft are scattered across runways. The president argued that approximately 85 percent of Iran's military capabilities are destroyed. He cited an inflation rate of 301 percent and unpaid military personnel in Iran as evidence of the enemy's difficulties. Trump did not provide independent evidence for these specific figures during the briefing.
The administration is maintaining pressure through a naval blockade and a new initiative called Task Force Iron Gate. This effort aims to restrict Iranian supply routes over land. Trump noted that three aircraft carriers are deployed in or arriving in the Middle East. He also mentioned increased production of Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The president addressed the impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced earlier in the day. Trump dismissed Massie personally and called him a loser. He defended Hegseth by citing improved military recruitment and stated that soldiers respect the secretary. During a confrontational exchange with a CNN reporter, Trump said that soldiers and patriots who do the work love the defense secretary.
Trump also discussed allegations involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a woman suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence. He revealed that he had spoken to Huang earlier that day and expressed surprise at the reports. The president described Huang as a high-quality person he has known for a long time. He stated that he truly believes Huang when the CEO said he did not know the person in question was a spy. The FBI is currently examining the related matter.
In other remarks, Trump questioned the results of recent midterm elections, specifically the Senate race in Alaska. He alleged that candidate Dan Sullivan was fraudulently put in the race to confuse voters. The president also defended White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, describing him as smart, tough, and fair. He insisted that the administration's immigration policy remains focused on the worst of the worst with no amnesty.
The briefing ended with a lighter moment involving UFC President Dana White, who was present at the White House. Trump joked that he had offered White the position of White House press secretary. White said he had zero political aspirations but did not explicitly tell the president no. Trump admitted the initial offer was partly a joke stemming from a bad press day, but then jokingly reversed himself.
