President Donald Trump declared today in an interview with Axios that there is "almost nothing left to target" in Iran. He emphasized that the conflict could conclude whenever he wishes. "There are only a few minor things left. Whenever I want to end it, it will end," Trump stated.
The US leader has repeatedly sent conflicting messages regarding the duration and objectives of the campaign against Iran. However, he has recently focused on the possibility of an early resolution. "The war is going very well. We are far ahead of schedule. We have inflicted more damage than we intended to do in 6 weeks," he said.
Trump added that Iran's retaliatory actions have not only targeted Israel and the United States but have also extended to the Gulf states. He stressed that Tehran is "paying the price for what they have caused."
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President Donald Trump at an event in Doral, Florida on 9/3. Photo: AP |
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, stated on the same day that their current mission is to "eliminate Iran's capability to project power and obstruct maritime transport" in the Strait of Hormuz.
"US forces continue to deliver destructive strikes against Iran. US combat power is increasing, while Iran's power is declining," Cooper said.
President Trump faces low domestic approval ratings and concerns about global economic disruption caused by the campaign against Iran. There is speculation that he may seek to end the campaign quickly to protect his Republican support base ahead of the midterm elections in November.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the campaign against Iran will continue "without a time limit" and will last until Tel Aviv achieves all its objectives.
Ali Fadavi, advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated today on state television that the United States and Israel should consider the possibility of being drawn into a long, attritional war. "It will destroy the entire US and global economy, while eroding all their military capabilities to the point of destruction," he said.
By Thanh Tam (Axios, AFP, Reuters)
