President Donald Trump said Friday the United States is “getting very close” to achieving its military objectives against Iran, signaling a potential winding down of Operation Epic Fury after nearly three weeks of coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes. In a Truth Social post, Trump outlined five core goals of the campaign and suggested that other nations should take the lead in securing the Strait of Hormuz going forward.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East,” Trump wrote. The conflict has entered its 21st day, with both U.S. and Israeli military campaigns ongoing since February 28.
What Are the Five Core Objectives Trump Outlined?
Trump listed five key goals the administration says have driven Operation Epic Fury. These include “completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability,” “destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base,” and “eliminating their Navy and Air Force.”
The president also said the United States would “never” allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and would remain ready to respond “quickly and powerfully” if needed. Protecting regional allies including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remains a top priority, he added.
What Did Netanyahu Say About Iran’s Capabilities?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles as it feels the impact of Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury. The statement aligns with U.S. assessments that the coordinated campaign has significantly degraded Iran’s military infrastructure.
U.S. Central Command on Thursday released before and after images of the Karaj Surface-to-Surface Missile Plant, which was struck on March 11. Prior to Operation Epic Fury, the Iranian regime used the facility “to assemble ballistic missiles that threatened Americans, neighboring countries, and commercial shipping,” CENTCOM said.
Who Will Secure the Strait of Hormuz?
On the Strait of Hormuz, Trump suggested the United States should not take the lead in securing the critical waterway. “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!” he wrote.
The president said the U.S. would assist if asked but “it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated.” The Strait remains effectively closed to most shipping, disrupting about 20% of global oil supplies and driving energy prices higher.
How Are Gas Prices Being Affected?
Due to supply delays brought on by the ongoing conflict, U.S. gas prices have increased by more than 30% this month, getting close to the national average of $4 per gallon. Due to the Iranian dispute, shipping via the Strait of Hormuz is severely restricted, which limits exports and raises the price of energy globally. This has disrupted oil flows from a major worldwide producing region.
Brent crude has traded above $100 a barrel for weeks, with prices spiking further after recent attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure.
What Happens Next?
Trump’s statement suggests the administration believes major military objectives have been achieved and that a drawdown may be imminent. However, the president also cautioned that the U.S. would remain ready to respond quickly if Iran poses new threats.
The call for other nations to police the Strait of Hormuz reflects a broader U.S. strategy of reducing its military footprint in the region while relying on allies to maintain security of critical waterways.
FAQs: Trump’s Iran Announcement
Q: What did Trump say about winding down the war?
A: Trump said the U.S. is “getting very close” to meeting its military objectives and is considering winding down operations in the Middle East.
Q: What are the five core goals?
A: Degrading Iranian missile capability, destroying Iran’s defense industrial base, eliminating Iran’s navy and air force, preventing nuclear weapons, and protecting regional allies.
Q: What did Netanyahu announce?
A: Netanyahu said Iran can no longer enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles after three weeks of coordinated strikes.
Q: Who will secure the Strait of Hormuz?
A: Trump said other nations that use the Strait should guard and police it, with the U.S. assisting only if asked.
Q: How high are gas prices?
A: U.S. gas prices have soared more than 30% this month, approaching a national average of $4 a gallon.
Q: What was hit at the Karaj missile plant?
A: U.S. forces struck the facility on March 11 with precision munitions, decimating the site used to assemble ballistic missiles.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
