President Donald Trump said on Thursday that U.S. military operations against Iran are moving faster than planned and have inflicted major damage on the country's military infrastructure.
Speaking at a gathering with the 2025 Major League Soccer champions, Trump said U.S. forces, in coordination with Israeli partners, have destroyed substantial portions of Iran's missile and drone arsenals. He asserted that missile launchers are being targeted and struck within four minutes of launches.
Trump outlined specific losses he said Iran had sustained. He stated that Iran's navy had lost 24 ships over a three-day period and that Tehran's anti-aircraft weapons, air force, airplanes and communications systems had been eliminated. He also provided a percentage estimate for damage to missile systems, saying approximately 60% to 64% of Iran's missiles and launchers have been destroyed.
The president added that Iranian officials have been asking how to negotiate a settlement, but he indicated that the United States intends to press on with military operations. He attributed the bulk of American service-member injuries over the past 47 years to actions linked to former Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and to Iran itself.
Separately, the administration on Wednesday unveiled steps intended to help stabilize global oil markets, including offering political risk insurance for tankers transiting the Gulf. Trump said additional measures to reduce upward pressure on oil prices were imminent and that oil prices have since stabilized.
Trump also spoke about domestic market performance, saying the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 50,000 during his first year in office, a milestone he suggested was achieved faster than initially expected. He described the military campaign as broader than he would prefer but nonetheless effective.
The president referenced prior actions abroad, including operations in Venezuela and an operation he called the Midnight Hammer attack in Iran, as precursors that set conditions for current operations. He urged members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, military and police to lay down their arms, saying they have an opportunity to reclaim their country.
Context limitations: This report reflects statements made by the president during a public event and descriptions of actions attributed to U.S. and allied military forces. It does not add external verification or independent confirmation of the claims described.