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