The key facts
- Trump said he could use force against Iran 'right now' if threats to US allies and ships intensify
- According to him, the US has not lost a single soldier in five months and 'fully controls' the Gulf
- Trump claimed the regime in Iran is 'collapsing,' citing 301% inflation and asserting that Iran's economy and military infrastructure have been destroyed
Trump's statement on Iran
US President Donald Trump said he is ready to use military force against Iran 'right now' if, in his words, Tehran continues to 'terrorize our allies and our ships.' Asked in an interview with Salem News Channel whether he would hesitate to use force, Trump said: 'No hesitation. Right now everything is going very well for us.' He added that 'if I see things going the other way, I would do it, and maybe I would do it right now.'
Claims about the situation in the region and in Iran
Trump said the US has suffered no losses in recent months: 'We have not lost a single soldier in five months, and we control the Gulf,' adding: 'We fully control it.' Asked whether he was prepared to maintain the American blockade even if it takes 26 months for the Iranian regime to collapse, the president replied that the regime is 'collapsing,' and that, in his words, the Iranian press diverges sharply from reality. He listed a series of claims about Iran's condition: inflation of 301%, a destroyed economy, unpaid soldiers, and statements that Iran's military forces, navy and air force have been 'destroyed.' These figures and assessments belong to Trump himself and are not confirmed by independent sources in the publication.
Warning to Tehran
Trump accused Iranian officials of speaking about their situation 'with great bravado' and warned: 'If something doesn't work out, I don't hesitate.' The publication contains no information about specific plans for military action or about Iran's reaction to these remarks.
