US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has effectively “won the war” against Iran, asserting that the country’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed, even as Washington continues negotiations with Tehran.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Trump said Iran’s navy, air force, and communications systems had been “completely decimated.”
“Their navy’s gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone… pretty much everything they have is gone,” Trump said, adding that the US is now in a strong bargaining position.
Claims of Military Dominance
Trump further claimed that US forces have overwhelming control over Iranian airspace, including over Tehran.
“We literally have planes flying over Tehran… They can’t do a thing about it… Militarily, they are dead,” he said.
He also suggested that the US has the capability to strike critical infrastructure but is holding back amid ongoing negotiations.
Focus on Nuclear Deal
A central point of the negotiations, according to Trump, is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon… They have agreed to that. There won’t be any nuclear weapons,” he stated.
Trump emphasized that avoiding further destruction and loss of life remains a priority if a deal can be reached.
Leadership and Regime Claims
In a striking assertion, Trump claimed that Iran’s previous leadership had been eliminated and replaced.
“The leadership was killed… We have a new group,” he said, describing the situation as effectively a regime change.
He also reiterated that he does not trust Iran despite ongoing talks.
Strait of Hormuz and “Significant Gesture”
Trump referenced what he described as a “very big present” from Iran, linked to oil and gas and possibly the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it signaled willingness to negotiate.
Pakistan Offers Mediation
Meanwhile, diplomatic developments gained momentum after Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to mediate between the US and Iran.
In a statement shared publicly, Sharif said Pakistan would be “ready and honoured” to facilitate meaningful talks, provided both sides agree.
The outreach comes amid a reported pause by the US on planned strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, raising hopes for a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
