In a dramatic and controversial statement, Donald Trump has declared that the war against Iran has effectively been “won,” claiming that Tehran’s military power has been nearly wiped out following weeks of joint US and Israeli strikes. Speaking during an official ceremony, Trump said that Iran’s key defence systems, including its Navy, Air Force, and communication networks, have been “completely decimated,” asserting that the United States now has overwhelming control over Iranian airspace. “Their navy’s gone, their air force is gone… pretty much everything they have is gone,” he said, describing the scale of destruction inflicted during the conflict.
Taking his remarks even further, Trump suggested that the military campaign may have triggered a major political shift inside Iran. He claimed that the country’s leadership had been eliminated and replaced, hinting at what he described as a “regime change.” The statement, if accurate, would mark a historic turning point in the region, though there has been no independent confirmation of such developments.
Despite the aggressive tone, Trump indicated that diplomatic efforts are now underway to bring the conflict to an end. He revealed that negotiations are ongoing and expressed confidence that a resolution could be reached soon. “We’re in negotiations right now… I think we are going to end it,” he said, adding that the US is currently negotiating from a position of strength.
Reiterating Washington’s long-standing stance, Trump emphasised that Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons under any circumstances. He suggested that this condition could form a key part of any potential agreement, noting that Tehran may be open to accepting such terms as talks progress.
The US President also hinted at significant developments related to global energy routes, particularly the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that Iran may be making moves linked to oil and gas flows as part of ongoing backchannel discussions. However, he maintained a cautious tone regarding trust, stating, “I don’t trust anybody… I don’t trust them,” reflecting continued scepticism despite signs of possible de-escalation.
