US President Donald Trump claimed the US military forces sank 46 top-of-the-line naval ships of Iran. He said the American forces destroyed a significant portion of Iran’s military capabilities during recent operations.
Speaking about the ongoing campaign, Trump said US forces had already neutralised 80 percent of Iran’s missile launchers. In addition, he stated that American operations had eliminated Iranian drones and targeted key naval assets.
According to Trump, US forces sank 46 “top-of-the-line” Iranian naval ships within three and a half days. He described the attacks as part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s military infrastructure and reduce its operational capacity.
Claims of naval strikes and military success
Trump recounted a conversation with a military official regarding the decision to sink the vessels rather than capture them. He said he asked why US forces chose destruction instead of seizing the ships.
According to Trump, the official responded that sinking them was safer and more effective. The official reportedly added that forces preferred destroying the ships because it reduced operational risks.
Consequently, Trump argued that the strikes had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities in a short period. He described the developments as a major success for US forces and said the operations had contributed to greater regional security.
Remarks on Iranian leadership
Meanwhile, Trump also referred to the deaths of several Iranian leaders during the conflict, claiming that they were now “gone.” He suggested that uncertainty surrounds Iran’s leadership following these developments.
Furthermore, he expressed disappointment over reports that Mojtaba Khamenei may become Iran’s next supreme leader. Trump argued that such a development could prolong regional tensions and political instability.
Despite saying the United States has “already won in many ways,” Trump emphasized that military efforts would continue until what he called “ultimate victory” is achieved.
He also linked the current campaign to the operation during his first term that resulted in the assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.
