International
Trump Claims US Has ‘Virtually Destroyed Iran’ After 11 Days of War
Trump Claims US Has ‘Virtually Destroyed Iran’ After 11 Days of War
President of the United States Donald Trump has declared that the ongoing U.S.-Iran war has significantly weakened Tehran’s military capabilities, claiming American forces have “virtually destroyed Iran” during nearly two weeks of intense fighting.
Speaking at a campaign-style rally in Kentucky, Trump told supporters that the U.S. military operations against Iran had already achieved major success, but stressed that the mission was not yet complete.
“Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran. Tough country,” Trump said. “We don’t want to leave early, do we? We’ve got to finish the job.”
The US president said the sustained U.S. air and naval strikes on Iran had severely damaged the country’s military infrastructure, including its missile systems, air defence network and naval fleet. According to him, Iranian military assets were rapidly degraded during the early phase of the conflict.
Trump claimed that American forces destroyed numerous Iranian naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and disabled key radar installations and air bases, significantly reducing Tehran’s ability to project military power in the region.
The conflict, which began in late February, has involved sustained military strikes by the United States and allied forces targeting Iranian missile bases, military facilities and naval infrastructure.
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Washington has said the campaign aims to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten regional security and disrupt international shipping routes.
Despite declaring what he described as a major victory, Trump warned that the United States would not withdraw prematurely from the Iran conflict, arguing that doing so could allow Tehran to rebuild its military strength.
“You never like to say too early you won. We won,” Trump said, adding that American forces would remain engaged until the objectives of the operation were fully achieved.
He also suggested the war could end sooner than expected, claiming that many strategic targets inside Iran had already been destroyed.
The conflict has already affected global oil markets, with prices rising amid concerns that escalating hostilities in the Middle East could threaten shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes.
In response to the tensions, international energy authorities have reportedly discussed the possible release of strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets if disruptions intensify.
Iranian authorities, however, have rejected US claims of victory and have continued launching missile and drone attacks targeting US military assets and allied positions in the region, insisting they will defend the country against foreign aggression.
Military analysts caution that while US strikes on Iran may have significantly degraded some of Tehran’s military infrastructure, claims that the country has been “virtually destroyed” remain political statements rather than verified battlefield assessments.
Security experts warn the conflict remains fluid and could still escalate, with potential long-term consequences for Middle East stability, global energy supplies and international trade.
Governments and international organisations continue to monitor the situation closely while urging restraint to prevent a broader regional war.
Trump’s latest remarks signal that the United States intends to maintain military pressure on Iran while presenting the operation to domestic audiences as a rapid and largely successful campaign.
Trump Claims US Has ‘Virtually Destroyed Iran’ After 11 Days of War
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International
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
Donald Trump has said that a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will not deter him from his position on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, even as authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House after the incident, Trump said: “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” while noting that investigators had not yet established whether the attack was connected to the conflict.
He added that, based on initial information, he did not believe the shooting was related to Iran, though he acknowledged that “you never know” and described the suspect as a “lone wolf” pending further investigation.
The comments came hours after a major security scare at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., where an armed suspect breached outer security areas during the high-profile dinner attended by top U.S. officials and journalists.
According to law enforcement, the suspect — identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California — allegedly opened fire outside the ballroom area before being intercepted by Secret Service agents.
Officials confirmed that a law enforcement officer was struck but survived after being protected by a bullet-resistant vest.
Trump said the suspect was carrying multiple weapons and was stopped before reaching the main ballroom where he was seated during the event. He praised the Secret Service for their swift response, adding that the attacker never came close to breaching the inner venue area.
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The president also struck a somber tone, saying the incident highlights the risks of public office. “Being president is a dangerous profession,” he said, adding that attempted violence is “part of the job” for someone in his position.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect is facing initial federal charges related to firearm use and assaulting an officer, with additional charges expected as investigations continue. She also said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the ballroom as guests ducked under tables and security agents rushed to evacuate officials. The event was ultimately cancelled for the night.
Among those evacuated were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all of whom were confirmed safe.
Trump later suggested that the world remains “violent” and reiterated that individuals in powerful positions are often targeted. He also said more details about the suspect’s motive would be released as the investigation develops.
Authorities are continuing to examine how the suspect managed to approach a heavily secured national event, with security agencies launching a full review of protocols at the Washington Hilton venue.
The annual dinner — typically a gathering of journalists, celebrities, and political leaders — was abruptly suspended as security forces secured the area and evacuated attendees. It is expected to be rescheduled.
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
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International
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump has released CCTV footage and photographs of the suspect involved in the shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an incident that triggered panic at one of the most high-profile political gatherings in Washington, D.C.
The footage, shared shortly before the president addressed the media, appears to show the suspect — identified by law enforcement officials as Cole Tomas Allen — rushing through a secured section of the Washington Hilton hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place.
In the video, the man is seen moving quickly toward the ballroom entrance, appearing to bypass metal detectors and other security layers as armed Secret Service agents close in to intercept him. The breach has raised fresh concerns about security at high-profile U.S. events.
Trump also released still images showing a shirtless man lying face down in a foyer area with his hands restrained behind his back, believed to be the suspect moments after he was apprehended.
Describing the incident, the president labeled the suspect a “would-be assassin,” claiming he was heavily armed and had forced his way past a key security checkpoint. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the attack as an assassination attempt, with investigations ongoing into the suspect’s motive.
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According to officials, the suspect reportedly discharged a weapon during the incident, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. A law enforcement officer was struck by gunfire but survived due to a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
The incident caused widespread panic inside the venue, with guests — including top government officials, journalists, and dignitaries — diving under tables or fleeing as what sounded like gunshots rang out.
Among those evacuated were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all of whom were confirmed safe.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no indication of additional suspects and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat. Authorities believe the suspect may have acted alone.
Security agencies have since launched a full investigation into the Washington Hilton security breach, focusing on how the suspect managed to penetrate multiple layers of protection at such a heavily secured event.
The annual dinner was abruptly disrupted as officials prioritized safety, with the incident underscoring growing concerns around U.S. political event security amid heightened global tensions.
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
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International
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
A dramatic security breach triggered widespread panic on Saturday night after an armed man stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., where Donald Trump and several senior U.S. officials were उपस्थित.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, reportedly approached the Washington Hilton armed with guns and knives before rushing toward the ballroom entrance.
According to officials, the situation escalated when the attacker attempted to breach a security checkpoint, prompting a swift response from Secret Service agents. Reports indicate that the suspect opened fire near the venue, causing chaos among attendees gathered inside the ballroom.
Guests at the high-profile event — which hosts leading journalists, politicians, and dignitaries — described hearing gunshots and immediately diving under tables or fleeing for safety. The incident unfolded rapidly, with security personnel moving in to neutralize the threat before the suspect could access the main hall.
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A law enforcement officer was struck during the confrontation but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover, authorities confirmed.
The Secret Service quickly evacuated President Trump alongside Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. All were confirmed safe and unharmed.
Speaking shortly after the incident at the White House, Trump described the attacker as a “sick person,” adding that early intelligence suggested the suspect acted alone. “When you’re impactful, they go after you,” he said.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat, stating that authorities had “no reason” to believe others were involved.
Security agencies have since launched a full investigation into the security breach at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, focusing on how the suspect managed to get close to one of the most heavily guarded political events in the United States.
The annual dinner — a major fixture in the U.S. political calendar — was abruptly halted following the incident, as officials prioritized the safety of attendees amid heightened U.S. security concerns.
The development comes at a sensitive moment for the Trump administration, with several top officials present at the event amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and global security challenges.
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
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