US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded following two weeks of joint US-Israeli military operations across the country. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that Iran had been reduced to what he described as a “paper tiger,” arguing that extensive strikes had significantly damaged the country’s air force, navy and key defense infrastructure.
According to the president, the campaign targeted approximately 7,000 sites across Iran. Trump said the operations had resulted in a sharp reduction in Tehran’s ability to launch missile and drone attacks, claiming a 90 percent decline in missile activity and a 95 percent drop in drone launches. He added that the strikes had disrupted Iran’s capacity to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles, a capability that has been central to Tehran’s military strategy in recent years.
Trump also stated that US forces had carried out strikes on Kharg Island, a strategic energy and shipping hub in the Persian Gulf. He said the operation disabled major facilities on the island while leaving oil pipelines intact, suggesting they could be targeted quickly if necessary.
Addressing concerns about maritime security, the president said US forces had focused on neutralizing threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that more than 30 vessels believed to be capable of laying naval mines had been destroyed, significantly reducing Iran’s ability to disrupt traffic through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Trump argued that the United States relies on less than one percent of its oil imports through the strait due to its position as a major oil producer, but urged other countries to support efforts to secure the route.
The conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has now entered its 17th day. The opening phase of the campaign reportedly targeted senior Iranian leadership, including a strike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at a high-security compound in Tehran.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on strategic sites, including US military bases in Gulf countries and critical energy and financial infrastructure in the region. Tehran has also moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions and contributing to a surge in global oil prices as the confrontation continues with no immediate signs of de-escalation.
