US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States’ military campaign against Iran was continuing “in full force,” claiming American forces had struck more than 7,000 targets across the country since the start of the conflict and significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
Speaking ahead of a lunch event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Trump said the U.S. strikes had targeted both commercial and military infrastructure. He said American forces had carried out fresh attacks earlier in the day on three facilities involved in the production of missiles and drones.
The U.S. president claimed the campaign had effectively destroyed Iran’s air force and navy, stating that Tehran now had “very few shots left.” Trump also expressed confidence that the number of further military engagements would be limited.
Trump’s remarks came amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
According to Trump, U.S. forces have destroyed around 30 ships allegedly used for laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. However, he said it remained unclear whether any mines had already been deployed in the channel.
The U.S. president also called on other nations to assist in securing and reopening shipping lanes through the strait. He said several countries had indicated they were willing to help patrol the area and ensure the safe passage of oil tankers and cargo vessels.
“Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t,” Trump said during remarks at the White House. He suggested that certain nations that had previously benefited from U.S. protection were not showing sufficient support in the current situation.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly tense after Iran reportedly responded to U.S. and Israeli military strikes with drones, missiles and naval mines, actions that have effectively disrupted tanker traffic through the waterway.
Despite Trump’s appeal for international support, several U.S. allies said on Monday that they had no immediate plans to deploy naval vessels to the region to assist in clearing the strait or ensuring maritime security.
