Trump Declares Iran ‘Totally Defeated’ as Conflict Enters Third Week, Escalating Tensions Over Oil
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – U.S. President Donald Trump asserted Saturday that Iran is “totally defeated” and “wants a deal,” though not one he would accept, as the U.S.-led “Operation Epic Fury” entered its third week. The claims come amid escalating attacks and threats that are raising fears of wider regional instability and disruption to global oil supplies.
The latest escalation saw the U.S. launch an attack Friday night against Kharg Island, a key center for Iran’s oil industry. Trump described the strike as “one of the most powerful bombardments” in the history of the Middle East, claiming it completely destroyed all military targets on the island, which holds 90% of Iran’s oil export capacity.
Iran has vowed retaliation, stating it will destroy “all oil, economic, and energy infrastructure” linked to the United States in the Middle East. General Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy, claimed Iranian forces have already attacked “key targets” at three U.S. air bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The conflict is further complicated by threats to shipping lanes. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Jamenei, stated Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as leverage while U.S. and Israeli attacks continue. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil transit, and its closure would have significant repercussions for the world economy.
Trump has offered shifting timelines for the operation’s conclusion. While initially suggesting it could last “four or five weeks” after beginning on February 28th, he recently indicated it was “about to conclude.”
The operation, dubbed “Furia Épica” (Epic Fury) by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), began at Trump’s order. Recent reports indicate Iran has launched its own counterattacks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WuEIFUd5_w shows recent coverage of the escalating conflict.
Analysts caution that Iran is a different geopolitical landscape than Iraq in 2003, highlighting the complexities of the current situation. https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMie0FVX3lxTE5TWF9mVkNKX0JXUGdLeTVqWWxjSndnTmpCR18tM0E4UnpnWjVsdDg3M09SejA5VGNEZ1BvbmVkd1JyMDJwbHZmaVBlODZka2QzYklJOGwzNFFnSS1lb1A0VGxqY0VYM1ZtUmFqRWpqOGp3VEtUc09GMFdMYw?oc=5
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
