Trump Says There’s ‘Practically Nothing Left’ to Target in Iran, War Ending Soon/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump says the war with Iran could end soon because most major targets have already been destroyed. U.S. forces recently struck Iranian vessels believed to be laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Trump’s comments, U.S. and Israeli officials say military operations could continue for weeks.
Trump Says Iran War Nearing End Quick Looks
- President Donald Trump says there is “practically nothing left to target” in Iran.
- Trump suggested the war could end soon if he chooses.
- U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels in recent strikes.
- Intelligence indicated Iran attempted to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. officials say Iranian missile and drone attacks have decreased.
- Israeli leaders say the war will continue without a set time limit.
- U.S. and Israeli officials are preparing for at least two more weeks of strikes.
- The conflict has focused heavily on weakening Iran’s military capabilities.
- Protecting global oil shipping routes remains a major objective.
- The U.S. campaign aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump Says War Could End Soon
President Donald Trump says the military campaign against Iran could end soon, arguing that U.S. forces have already destroyed most of the country’s key military targets.
During a brief phone interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump said the operation had achieved major objectives faster than expected.
“There is practically nothing left to target,” Trump said.
The president added that the conflict could conclude whenever he decides the objectives have been fully met.
“Little this and that… Any time I want it to end, it will end,” Trump said during the five-minute conversation.
His remarks signal growing confidence inside the administration that the military operation has severely degraded Iran’s military capabilities.
Officials Say Fighting Could Continue
Despite Trump’s suggestion that the war may soon wind down, military officials in the United States and Israel say combat operations are likely to continue for at least several more weeks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the campaign against Iran will proceed as long as necessary to achieve all strategic objectives.
“The war will continue without any time limit,” Katz said, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to defeating Iran’s regional military network.
U.S. and Israeli officials say planning is underway for at least two more weeks of continued strikes inside Iran.
Trump himself has not committed to a specific timeline for ending the conflict.
US Destroys Iranian Mine-Laying Boats
The latest developments come after the United States received intelligence suggesting Iran had begun placing naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international shipping lanes carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supplymaking it one of the most important energy corridors in the world.
According to U.S. officials, the number of mines believed to have been deployed appears relatively small.
However, American forces responded quickly.
Trump confirmed that U.S. strikes destroyed 16 Iranian vessels believed to be preparing to lay minespreventing what officials described as a potential attempt to disrupt global shipping.
The action was aimed at protecting commercial vessels and maintaining the flow of energy exports through the region.
Military Campaign Targets Iran’s Power Projection
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says the broader goal of the campaign is to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten regional stability and maritime traffic.
In a video statement, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said American forces are steadily degrading Iran’s military capacity.
“U.S. forces continue delivering devastating combat power against the Iranian regime,” Cooper said.
He added that Iran’s offensive capabilities are weakening as U.S. operations intensify.
“U.S. combat power is building, Iran’s combat power is declining,” Cooper said.
Military officials also reported that Iranian missile and drone attacks have dropped significantly since the conflict began.
Trump Says Campaign Exceeding Expectations
Trump said the military operation has progressed faster and achieved greater results than originally anticipated.
“The war is going great,” he said.
“We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible.”
The president noted that early planning for the campaign envisioned a potential six-week bombing effort, but he said current results have surpassed expectations.
Trump also argued that Iran’s actions had threatened not only the United States and Israel but also other countries across the Middle East.
“They were after the rest of the Middle East,” Trump said.
“This is payback.”
Four Core Objectives of the Military Operation
When Trump announced the beginning of military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, he outlined four primary objectives for the campaign.
The administration’s goals include:
- Destroy Iran’s missile systems and missile production infrastructure.
- Neutralize Iran’s naval capabilities.
- Prevent Iran’s regional proxy groups from destabilizing the Middle East.
- Ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.
U.S. officials say the strikes have focused on missile bases, naval assets, weapons facilities and infrastructure linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
Global Impact of the Conflict
The war has already had wide-ranging global consequences.
Energy markets have been shaken by fears that fighting near the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt oil shipments and trigger spikes in global fuel prices.
At the same time, diplomatic tensions across the Middle East have increased as regional governments respond to the escalating conflict.
Although Trump signaled confidence that the military operation is nearing completion, the final duration of the conflict remains uncertain.
For now, both U.S. and Israeli leaders say the campaign will continue until they are confident Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened.
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