Washington: Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s top leaders and much of its military capability have been destroyed, even as fighting across West Asia continues and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Speaking at a Saudi-backed investment summit in Miami, Trump asserted that Iran no longer has a functioning supreme leadership structure and suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei is either dead or critically injured.
Trump described the US military campaign as having gone beyond expectations, alleging that Iran’s air defences, communications systems, navy, air force, and weapons infrastructure have been comprehensively dismantled. He further claimed that Iran’s missile and drone production facilities and broader defence industrial base had been severely degraded, setting back any potential nuclear ambitions by years.
Linking military pressure to strategic objectives, Trump said reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global oil transit remains a key condition for any agreement with Iran. He also criticised NATO for failing to support US actions, while hinting at possible future military attention toward Cuba.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump announced a temporary pause on strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, extending a ceasefire window by ten days amid ongoing negotiations. Simultaneously, reports indicate preparations to deploy up to 10,000 additional US troops to the region, raising concerns of a potential ground operation.
On the ground, hostilities persist. More than 80 people have reportedly been killed in Iran and Lebanon within 24 hours, while Iran has escalated retaliatory strikes, including missile attacks toward Tel Aviv and threats targeting Riyadh. Tehran has also warned it may block hostile vessels from the Hormuz.
Iran maintains it will not surrender, while Pakistan says diplomatic efforts involving China are ongoing, with cautious optimism for a negotiated settlement by month’s end.