US President Donald Trump makes bold claim; Iran left with only 21% of missile capability

Washington: US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's military has been completely devastated following US-Israeli strikes. He also stated that Iran now retains only 21 percent of its missile capability and asserted that Iran's nuclear ambitions would be crushed. Trump's statement follows a US attack on an Iranian radar site. US Central Command stated that this action was taken in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks; it also claimed to have shot down all of Iran's missiles and drones.

What did Donald Trump say about Iran?

Speaking to NBC News, Trump said, "We know where their drones are and where their drone factories are. Most of the drone factories have been destroyed... and most of the missile-manufacturing areas have also been devastated." When asked if he knew exactly how many missiles and drones Iran currently possesses, Trump said he did not wish to disclose the figure but knew the "approximate number" of such weapons remaining in Tehran's arsenal. Trump remarked, "They have some missiles. They have some drones." He added that, in percentage terms, Iran is left with "perhaps 21% or 22% of its missiles."

Why Could No US-Iran Peace Agreement Be Reached?

Donald Trump clarified that while this percentage still represents "a lot of missiles," it is far fewer than the number Iran held before the US-Israeli strikes began on February 28. When asked why the US and Iran had failed to reach a peace agreement despite multiple rounds of talks, Trump attributed the drawn-out process to the "arrogance" of the Iranian leadership. Trump said, "I think they cannot believe they are in a situation where they have been almost completely crippled." He said, "They are arrogant. They are having to do things they never imagined they would do. They have no other choice."

Has Iran been prevented from building nuclear weapons?

Trump stated that the US has largely achieved its goal of preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed nation. Trump said, "We had to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons. We were not going to let that happen." He added, "We have largely accomplished this—you will see—and one way or another, the job is done." He remarked that it would end either through an agreement or in a difficult manner.

He also referred to military operations against Iran and claimed that Iran's naval assets had suffered heavy damage. Trump stated that Iran has no navy. "159 vessels were targeted in four days." He cited this campaign as proof of American military might and described the blockade imposed during the conflict as unprecedented, noting that such a blockade had never occurred before. He mentioned that his administration is still addressing "unfinished business" regarding Iran, stating, "We are resolving some unfinished business in Iran."