U.S. Military Campaign Against Iran Concludes
In a Washington press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the conclusion of the military campaign against Iran. He detailed operations Epic Fury and Midnight Hammer, during which American forces struck over 5,000 targets using strategic B-2 bombers and 2,000-pound bombs. According to Trump, these actions have destroyed Iran's military potential, its nuclear program, its naval fleet, and the country's senior leadership. The President stated that at least two tiers of Iranian leadership were eliminated, and Iran lost a significant portion of its air defense capabilities, radar systems, and telecommunications infrastructure. This announcement marks a major shift in U.S. posture in the Middle East.
He added that the majority of Iran's naval power has been sunk, with 51 ships now on the seabed. The country's missile production capacity has been reduced to 10 percent, and 83 percent of its drone launch facilities have been destroyed.
Domestic Policy and Energy Strategy
Trump confirmed that eight U.S. service members were killed during the military actions. He met with the families of the fallen at Dover Air Force Base to express his condolences. Separately, the President held a telephone conversation with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. During the call, Trump noted that Putin wants to be useful in the Middle East, but he added:
"I told him he could be more useful by ending the war between Ukraine and Russia." – Donald Trump
As part of U.S. energy strategy, 100 million barrels of oil have arrived in Houston from Venezuela, with another shipment of 100 million barrels expected. Trump also touched on domestic policy initiatives, specifically new requirements under the Save America Act, which include:
- mandatory voter identification with a photo;
- proof of citizenship for voting;
- the elimination of mass mail-in voting;
- a ban on male participation in women's sports;
- a prohibition on gender transition surgeries for minors.
The end of the military campaign against Iran is likely to significantly impact the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly U.S. relations with other regional powers like Russia. Meanwhile, Trump's domestic initiatives are sparking debate among political analysts, as they could reshape the U.S. political landscape ahead of the next election. During the press conference, Trump also emphasized national energy independence, a point of strategic importance for global energy markets and oil prices.