WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (HRNW): In a high-stakes video address and an exclusive interview with a British newspaper, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s central military command has been “completely decapitated” following the launch of military operations. The President asserted that the Iranian leadership is in disarray, claiming that IRGC facilities, air defense networks, and nine naval vessels have been neutralized. Trump claimed that 48 high-ranking Iranian figures have been killed so far and warned that the operation will continue until all objectives are met. In a direct appeal, he urged the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military, and the police to lay down their arms to receive immunity, warning that those who do not will face “certain death.”
President Trump estimated that the conflict could last approximately four weeks, noting that while Iran is a “big and strong country,” the operation is currently proceeding “ahead of schedule” and exactly according to plan. Addressing the risk to American lives, he confirmed that this is the first conflict of his second term to result in U.S. combat deaths—contrasting it with the operation to capture President Maduro in Venezuela—and warned that more casualties are likely as the mission intensifies to avenge American lives. When asked about regional involvement, specifically whether Saudi Arabia might join the offensive following Iranian missile strikes, Trump remarked, “They are fighting; they are also fighting.” He concluded by revealing he has been in close contact with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, expressing hope that the conflict will ultimately pave the way for democracy in Iran and other positive regional shifts.
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