President Donald Trump has described the war in Iran as “very complete, pretty much”, even as the conflict continues to escalate and disrupt global oil markets. In a phone call with CBS News, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, stating: “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force.”
Speaking to Republicans in Florida, Trump sought to reassure allies that the US-Israeli operation would be short-lived, calling it a “short-term excursion”. However, he also acknowledged that the mission was not yet fully accomplished, saying: “We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough.”
The conflict, now in its second week, has seen fresh waves of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, while Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, US bases in the Middle East, and energy infrastructure in the Gulf. The economic toll is rising, with oil prices surging above $119 per barrel before falling back after Trump’s comments.
In Tehran, thousands gathered in Enghelab Square to show support for Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose father Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Chanting “Death to America, Death to Israel”, the crowd waved Iranian flags and portraits of the late leader.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a “defensive” naval mission to the Gulf to protect oil supplies, as Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted shipping. Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani stated that safe passage through the strait would not be restored “amid the fires ignited by the United States and Israel”.
Analysts warn that the appointment of the hardline Mojtaba Khamenei, coupled with defiant rhetoric from Tehran, could prolong the conflict and deepen instability in the region. Stock markets fell sharply on Monday amid fears of a protracted war.
