Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump stated that countries in the region were not parties to the conflict, asserting that Iran was the one that initiated attacks against them.
Trump said that “the U.S. military targeted Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” adding that “the Iranian navy has disappeared and the Iranian air force has been completely destroyed.”
He added that “the United States is winning today more than ever before,” stressing that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons and cannot be trusted regarding nuclear capabilities.
Trump described the “Epic Rage” operation as essential for “the security of Americans and the free world,” noting that most leaders of the Iranian regime were killed in recent military operations.
He further stated that the United States has achieved “rapid, decisive, and overwhelming victories in Iran,” and that its core strategic objectives are nearing completion, emphasizing that U.S. operations in Iran will conclude very quickly.
Trump noted that the recent rise in fuel prices would be temporary, adding that the United States does not rely on the Strait of Hormuz, and called on countries benefiting from oil transit through the strait to ensure its security.
He added that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen naturally once the conflict ends, warning that the United States would launch very intense strikes against Iran over the next two to three weeks.
Trump also referred to ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran, and raised the possibility of targeting Iranian oil exports.
The war began on February 28, 2026, following large-scale airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel under the operations “Epic Rage” and “Lion’s Roar,” targeting vital infrastructure, military facilities, and command centers in Tehran and other cities. The strikes resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day, along with several senior officials, including Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and prominent commanders of the Revolutionary Guard.
In response, Iran launched “True Promise 4,” firing hundreds of missiles and drones toward Israel and countries in the region, while closing the Strait of Hormuz—triggering a surge in global energy prices.
The conflict expanded to Lebanon on March 2, after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, prompting Israel to carry out extensive airstrikes and a ground incursion in southern Lebanon.
