2026-03-09 22:11:00
Trump was asked if the war will be over this week: “No”.
Summary:
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Donald Trump said U.S. forces have destroyed much of Iran’s naval capability and are heavily degrading its drone and missile production.
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Trump claimed the campaign is ahead of the administration’s original timeline and suggested the conflict could soon conclude.
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He warned Iran would face stronger attacks if it disrupts global oil supplies, while emphasising the U.S. wants energy flows to continue.
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Washington is temporarily easing some oil-related sanctions to stabilise global markets during the conflict.
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Trump said the U.S. could strike additional infrastructure targets, including electricity production, but is holding some assets in reserve.
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Iranian state media meanwhile signalled the war could end if Iran receives guarantees it will not be attacked again.
U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces have inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military capabilities, claiming most of the country’s naval power has been destroyed and key weapons manufacturing facilities targeted as the conflict intensifies.
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said roughly 50 Iranian naval vessels had been sunk during the campaign. He added that U.S. operations are focused on dismantling the infrastructure used by Tehran to produce drones and missiles, weapons that have played a central role in Iran’s regional strategy.
Trump said the U.S. military has also deployed low-cost interceptor systems to counter Iranian drone attacks, which he described as effective in neutralising incoming threats.
“We wiped every single force in Iran out very completely,” Trump said, arguing the campaign is progressing faster than originally planned.
The president claimed U.S. strikes have repeatedly targeted Iran’s leadership structure and said the administration has deliberately held back some of the most significant targets for later stages of the conflict. He added that the United States has the capability to hit Iran’s electricity production infrastructure but is refraining from doing so for now.
Trump also warned Tehran against attempting to disrupt energy markets. He said Iran would face far stronger retaliation if it sought to block oil shipments from the region.
At the same time, Trump emphasised the administration wants to maintain global energy flows, saying the United States is temporarily easing some oil-related sanctions to help stabilise supply while the conflict unfolds.
The president said Iran had indicated it still wants to continue developing nuclear capabilities but suggested the country should instead commit to a peaceful nuclear programme.
In parallel, the Pentagon has ordered 25 new B-2 stealth bombers, highlighting the scale of military planning surrounding the conflict.
Trump suggested the war could be nearing its conclusion, saying the United States is “getting close to finishing Iran.”
Iranian state television meanwhile signalled a potential path toward de-escalation, reporting that the war could end if Iran receives guarantees it will not face further attacks.
For markets, the conflict remains a key driver of volatility, particularly in oil prices and safe-haven assets, given the risk to Middle East energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
