"This process will last about four weeks or less. We estimate this duration due to Iran's large size and strong military capabilities," US President Donald Trump told the Daily Mail on 1/3.
Speaking to the New York Times, Trump said the US and Israel could maintain the current intensity of attacks for "4-5 weeks". He confirmed the Pentagon has sufficient forces, missiles, and bombs to continue military operations "if necessary", judging the ongoing US and Israeli campaign in Iran "will face no difficulty".
"We have a huge amount of ammunition. Ammunition is stored worldwide, in many countries," the President emphasized.
Trump expressed no surprise at the operation's progress in Iran. "I think everything is proceeding according to plan, except we have eliminated all their leaders – many more than expected. It seems to be 48 people," the US President stated.
The White House chief also confirmed Iranian officials sought negotiations with him, to which he agreed, though he did not disclose if discussions would occur soon.
"They want to talk, but I replied they should have sought negotiations last week, not this week," the US President added.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 27/2. Photo: AFP |
US President Donald Trump at the White House on 27/2. Photo: AFP
The US President also presented scenarios for a power transfer to a new Iranian government. One option mirrored the Venezuela campaign: removing only the top leader, with the majority of the government remaining in place but "ready to cooperate more practically" with the US.
Previously, Iran announced an interim committee would govern the country until a Supreme Leader successor was chosen.
US and Israeli forces launched a strike campaign against Iran on 28/2. They targeted defense and intelligence facilities, along with high-ranking officials and generals. The US reported 48 Iranian leaders and military commanders killed, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran swiftly announced a retaliation campaign targeting Israeli territory and numerous US bases across the Middle East. Tehran affirmed its targets were Washington's forces, not neighboring nations' territory.
Ngoc Anh (According to CBS, CNN, AA)
