Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the ongoing military campaign carried out by the United States and Israel, while insisting that Tehran now wants a deal that he would not accept.
Trump made the claim in a post on Truth Social, where he criticised the media’s coverage of the conflict.
“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” he wrote, without providing further details.
The president’s comments came shortly after he confirmed that US forces had carried out heavy strikes on military targets located on Kharg Island, a key facility that handles most of Iran’s crude exports.
Trump also said the United States Navy would soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to secure maritime traffic through the vital energy corridor.
Despite the continued US air campaign, Iran responded by launching a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf countries that host American military facilities.
Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Friday for a pro-government rally attended by senior Iranian officials. Demonstrators marched while waving banners carrying slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Iranian leaders have remained defiant in the face of the military campaign. Earlier this week, the country’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, ruled out the possibility of renewed negotiations with Washington.
“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Araghchi said in an interview with PBS News, adding that Iran had a “very bitter experience” during previous diplomatic engagements with the United States.
What you should know
Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical maritime routes in the global energy market.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
Any military activity around the strait often triggers sharp movements in oil prices and raises concerns about global energy security.
