US-Israel strikes reduced Iran's missile and drone capability by up to 95%, claims Trump

US President Donald Trump has claimed that US-Israel strikes have reduced Iran’s missile and drone capabilities by about 90-95 per cent. Speaking at a press conference, the 47th American president also claimed that the US Navy has destroyed around 30 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, the American president had claimed that there was "nothing" left to target in Iran, stating that US forces had destroyed much of Tehran's assets.

His remarks come as Iran-caused disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are forcing energy traders to find alternative sources of oil and gas until the end of the conflict, which is in its third week. Joint US-Israel strikes against Tehran on February 28 killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering Iran's retaliatory action against several countries in the Middle East.

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The POTUS also urged NATO and allied countries deploy naval ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said this is not the war of Europe and "we didn't start that".

Nobody wants to actively go into this war, he said.

The UAE announced the closure of its airspace amid Iranian attacks, according to foreign media reports.

Key takeaways from Trump's press conference

• Global partners must cooperate to secure this critical maritime route
• Trump stated that Israel will not use nuclear weapons against Iran
• The objective of the military campaign is to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its missile and naval assets

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this story:

What has Donald Trump claimed?

Donald Trump said US-Israel strikes have reduced Iran’s missile and drone capabilities by 90-95 per cent.

He also claimed US forces have destroyed most of Iran’s key military assets.

What action did the US Navy take?

Trump claimed that the US Navy destroyed around 30 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

What is the Strait of Hormuz? What is it important?

The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime region crucial for nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

Currently, disruptions here are forcing traders to seek alternative energy sources.

What triggered the current conflict?

The war escalated after joint US-Israel strikes on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, leading to retaliatory actions across the region.

What is Donald Trump asking US allies to do?

Trump has urged NATO and partner nations to deploy naval forces in the Strait to secure shipping routes.

What is the stated goal of the military campaign?

According to Trump, the aim is to weaken Iran’s military strength, especially its missile and naval capabilities.

What is the EU's stance?

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe does not consider this its war and does not want escalation.

What other regional impacts are visible?

The United Arab Emirates has reportedly closed its airspace amid Iranian attacks, reflecting widening regional disruption.

(This is a developing story. More details will be added shortly.)