Washington D.C.: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s military capabilities and top leadership have been severely damaged in recent US-Israeli strikes, saying the country’s navy, air force and air defence systems have been destroyed.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump also claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “90% gone.”
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since February 28, when he was reportedly injured in the same strikes that killed his father. His absence from his father’s funeral ceremonies has fueled speculation about his health and whereabouts.
Trump said Iran’s “best leaders” had been killed and appeared to refer to Ali Khamenei when he mistakenly mentioned “Khomeini.” His remarks came as the US and Iran exchanged fresh strikes, ending a months-long ceasefire.
The US President also announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed charging vessels using the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage. He said countries relying on the strategic waterway should contribute to security costs.
Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain and two UAE-linked tankers, killing one Indian-origin mariner and injuring eight others. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump’s claims, saying Iran has historically safeguarded the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalating confrontation has intensified tensions over control of the key waterway, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
