Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has effectively “won” the ongoing conflict with Iran, asserting that the country’s military capabilities have been severely weakened.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony, Trump said Iran’s naval and air power had been “completely decimated” and that the US now holds a dominant position in ongoing negotiations.
“Their Navy and Air Force Are Gone”
Trump made strong claims about Iran’s military strength, saying, “Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. Pretty much everything they have is gone.”
He further added that the US military has the upper hand. “We literally have planes flying over Tehran… They can’t do a thing about it,” he said.
Describing Iran as “totally defeated,” Trump stated, “Militarily, they are dead.”
Negotiations Underway, Trump Signals Possible Deal
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump confirmed that talks between the US and Iran are ongoing. “We’re in negotiations right now. They’d like to make a deal,” he said, expressing confidence that a resolution may be near.
“I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure, but we have won this,” he added.
Trump also indicated that the US is using its current advantage to push for key conditions, especially on nuclear weapons.
“No Nuclear Weapons for Iran”
A central point of the negotiations, according to Trump, is ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
“It starts with no nuclear weapons… They have agreed to that. There won’t be any nuclear weapons,” he said.
He stressed that the US is in a strong bargaining position. “We are way ahead of schedule. They have no Navy, no Air Force and no missile protection,” he claimed.
Ceasefire Linked to Ongoing Talks
Trump revealed that the US had held back from attacking key Iranian infrastructure due to the ongoing discussions.
“Today we were going to take down a very big electric generation plant… We held off because we are negotiating,” he said.
He added that avoiding further destruction and loss of life is a priority if a deal can be reached.
Claims of Leadership Change in Iran
In a controversial statement, Trump claimed that Iran’s leadership has been significantly weakened. He referred to the death of Ali Khamenei and suggested that a new leadership structure is emerging.
“We have a new group… This is a change in the regime because the leaders are all very different from the ones we started with,” he said.
However, such claims have not been independently confirmed by Iranian authorities.
“I Don’t Trust Them”
Despite expressing optimism about a deal, Trump made it clear that he remains cautious.
“I don’t trust anybody… Do you think I trust them? I don’t trust them,” he said, referring to Iran.
Pakistan Offers to Mediate
Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks have added to diplomatic speculation after he shared a statement from Shehbaz Sharif, who offered to mediate between the US and Iran.
Sharif said Pakistan would be “ready and honoured” to facilitate talks if both sides agree, signalling a possible new diplomatic channel in the crisis.
Background of the Conflict
The developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with military actions and threats impacting global markets and energy routes, including the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s recent decision to pause strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days has opened a narrow window for negotiations.
