US–Iran War: Trump claims Iran regime ‘finished’, warns ‘Operation Epic Fury’ will intensify

US–Iran War: In a sweeping and high-impact address on the US–Iran war, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s regime is effectively “finished”, its military crippled, and its nuclear ambitions halted — even as he warned that the most intense phase of the conflict is still to come.

Speaking after nearly a month of sustained military operations, Trump outlined what he described as major strategic victories under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, while also cautioning that attacks would be ramped up further in the coming days.

The speech has added to global uncertainty, rattled financial markets, and pushed oil prices higher, as fears of a prolonged war and supply disruption deepen.

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‘Iran regime finished, leaders dead’: Trump

Trump made a series of sweeping assertions about the state of Iran’s leadership and governance.

He claimed that “most Iranian leaders have been killed” and that the Iranian regime has effectively collapsed, suggesting that Tehran no longer poses a long-term geopolitical threat.

According to him, the US has “destroyed the enemy in a short time”, achieving results faster than anticipated. He also said that Iran “will no longer remain a threat to the world” once operations are complete.

These claims, however, remain unverified and are likely to be contested by Iran and independent observers.

Air force, navy ‘destroyed’; missile capability reduced

Detailing military progress, Trump said that in one month of operations, US forces have:

• Eliminated Iran’s air force and navy
• Severely reduced its missile-launch capability
• Taken control of key strategic systems

He reiterated that Iran’s missile strength has been significantly weakened, limiting its ability to strike back effectively.

The President described the campaign as a “highly successful operation”, claiming that US forces now have the upper hand across all major fronts.

Nuclear programme ‘halted’, facilities ‘destroyed’

A central pillar of Trump’s address was the claim that Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been stopped.

He said Iran was actively trying to build a nuclear bomb, but US strikes have:

• Destroyed key nuclear sites
• Halted bomb-making capabilities
• Put an end to immediate nuclear threats

“Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons,” Trump said, stressing that this remains a non-negotiable red line for Washington.

‘45,000 killed’: controversial figure sparks debate

Trump also alleged that the Iranian regime has been responsible for the deaths of 45,000 people, a claim he used to justify US military action.

The figure has not been independently verified and is expected to face scrutiny, especially given limited access to ground realities inside Iran during the conflict.

‘Operation Epic Fury’ to continue; attacks to intensify

Despite claiming that objectives are nearly achieved, Trump made it clear that operations are ongoing. He announced that:

• ‘Operation Epic Fury’ will continue
• Attacks will intensify in the coming days
• The US may target Iran’s oil infrastructure and electric plants if no deal is reached

“Our operation is going very well,” Trump said, adding that the US has achieved more success than expected so far.

Energy war: oil targets, gas price spike and Hormuz warning

The conflict has increasingly taken on an energy dimension.

Trump acknowledged that the war has led to a rise in gas prices, linking it to Iranian actions in the region. He warned that the US could directly target Iran’s oil facilities as part of its strategy.

At the same time, he asserted that the US does not need Middle Eastern oil, saying:
“We don’t want Middle East oil.”

On the critical Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the route would “open on its own” once the war ends, easing global supply concerns.

US security focus, warning of more strikes ahead

Framing the war as essential for national security, Trump said operations are being carried out to protect the United States and its allies. He warned that:

• Strikes will become more aggressive in the coming days
• Military pressure will continue until Iran agrees to US terms
• Failure to reach a deal could trigger expanded attacks on infrastructure

Trump congratulates NASA amid war address

In a notable aside during the speech, Trump also congratulated NASA on its Moon mission, briefly shifting focus from the war to highlight American achievements in space exploration.