President Donald Trump claims Iran was preparing to strike first as he defends US-Israeli military action, saying Tehran’s key military capabilities have been “knocked out.”
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that joint American and Israeli strikes have severely weakened Iran’s military infrastructure, describing the operation as a decisive and pre-emptive action.
Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump defended the launch of “Operation Epic Fury,” insisting that Tehran had been preparing to attack first.
“Just about everything’s been knocked out.”
Trump claimed that Iran’s navy, air force, radar systems, and air detection capabilities had been destroyed in the coordinated assault.
“They have no navy, it’s been knocked out. They have no air force. It’s been knocked out. They have no air detection, that’s been knocked out. Their radar has been knocked out.”
The president dismissed suggestions that Israel had forced Washington into the conflict. Instead, he argued that the United States acted to prevent an imminent Iranian strike.
“Based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they were going to attack first. And I didn’t want that to happen.”
He further suggested that the US may have accelerated Israel’s timeline rather than the other way around.
“If anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.”
Despite his confidence in the military operation, Trump acknowledged uncertainty about Iran’s political future, especially regarding leadership succession after the reported killing of key figures.
“Most of the people we had in mind are dead.”
He added that a follow-up strike targeted a meeting allegedly convened to discuss new leadership options, raising further questions about who might eventually take power.
Trump conceded that the outcome of the operation remains unpredictable.
“I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right?”
Although he has previously encouraged Iranians to rise against their government, the president clarified that regime change was not among the primary objectives outlined earlier this week, which include halting Iran’s nuclear program.
In a notable remark directed at Iranian citizens considering protests, Trump urged restraint amid ongoing hostilities.
“If you’re going to go out and protest, don’t do it yet.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for the US-Israeli action but stressed the importance of bringing the conflict to an end quickly, warning that prolonged fighting is impacting global energy markets.
Trump, however, remained optimistic about economic outcomes.
“Oil prices will go lower than even before.”
The president also voiced frustration with certain European allies, criticizing Britain’s initial hesitation over base access and accusing Spain of being uncooperative regarding military facilities.
As tensions continue to reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, uncertainty remains over how the conflict will unfold and what long-term consequences it may bring for the region and global markets.
Source : Gulf News
Image source : The White House
