The US-Iran war continues to intensify as Washington prepares to deploy around 2,500 U.S. Marines to the West Asia war zone, significantly expanding its military presence in the region. The deployment, which may include an amphibious assault ship and additional naval assets, is aimed at strengthening U.S. operations amid ongoing strikes on Iranian targets and rising tensions across the Gulf.


US-Iran War: US to Send 2,500 Marines into West Asia War Zone

Amid the escalating US-Iran war, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has mocked Donald Trump, claiming Washington is now “begging” other countries to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Araghchi’s remarks came after Trump urged global powers to deploy naval forces to secure the vital waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. 


US-Iran War | Araghchi: Trump Begging Countries to Help Open Hormuz

Amid the escalating US-Iran war, U.S. President Donald Trump said that countries receiving oil through the Strait of Hormuz should take responsibility for securing the vital passage. Trump urged nations heavily dependent on Gulf oil—such as China, Japan, and European economies—to contribute naval support to keep shipping lanes open.


US-Iran War | Trump: Nations Receiving Oil Through Hormuz Must Take Care of the Passage

North Korea has launched a fresh round of missiles as tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula during a high-level diplomatic meeting between South Korean Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump. The missile launches, ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, are being seen as a strong signal amid growing regional security concerns.


Kim Jong Un Launches Missiles As South Korean PM Meets Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump’s administration has rebuffed efforts by its Middle Eastern allies to start diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war that started two weeks ago, according to sources familiar with the efforts. On its part, Iran also rejected talk of a ceasefire until the US and Israel end strikes, said two senior Iranian sources, adding that several countries had been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, reported The Times of Israel.&nbsp;The refusal by both Washington and Tehran suggests that both are willing to continue the conflict.US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil export hub, on Friday night underscored Trump’s determination to press ahead with his military assault.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-another-act-of-aggression-india-condemns-pakistan-s-airstrikes-in-afghanistan-1773505888906">‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;As per the assessment of the Israel Defence Forces, between 4,000 and 5,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders have been killed since the start of the war.&nbsp;Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House made it clear that it is not interested.A senior White House official confirmed Trump has rebuffed efforts to start talks and is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.“He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;“President Trump said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated,” said another senior White House official.As per Iranian sources, Tehran has rejected efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire until the US and Israel end their airstrikes and meet its demands, which include reparations and a permanent end to US and Israeli attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a>&nbsp;Egypt, which was also involved in mediation before the war, also tried to reopen communications, according to security and diplomatic sources. Though the efforts did not make any progress, they secured some military restraint from neighbouring countries hit by Iran, said one source.&nbsp;Some US officials and Trump advisers are urging a quick end to the war, cautioning that rising gasoline prices could exact a high political price from the Republican Party, with US midterm elections looming, while others are pressing Trump to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic to destroy its missile programme and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hit-more-than-90-iranian-military-targets-on-kharg-island-centcom-1773491825641">US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM</a>&nbsp;“The Guards strongly believe that if they lose control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will lose the war,” the source added, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite paramilitary force that controls large parts of the economy.

Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House said it is not interested. A White House official confirmed Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has rebuffed efforts by its Middle Eastern allies to start diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war that started two weeks ago, according to sources familiar with the efforts. On its part, Iran also rejected talk of a ceasefire until the US and Israel end strikes, said two senior Iranian sources, adding that several countries had been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, reported The Times of Israel. The refusal by both Washington and Tehran suggests that both are willing to continue the conflict. US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil export hub, on Friday night underscored Trump’s determination to press ahead with his military assault. Also Read: ‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan As per the assessment of the Israel Defence Forces, between 4,000 and 5,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders have been killed since the start of the war. Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House made it clear that it is not interested. A senior White House official confirmed Trump has rebuffed efforts to start talks and is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities. “He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel “President Trump said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated,” said another senior White House official. As per Iranian sources, Tehran has rejected efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire until the US and Israel end their airstrikes and meet its demands, which include reparations and a permanent end to US and Israeli attacks. Also Read: War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz Egypt, which was also involved in mediation before the war, also tried to reopen communications, according to security and diplomatic sources. Though the efforts did not make any progress, they secured some military restraint from neighbouring countries hit by Iran, said one source. Some US officials and Trump advisers are urging a quick end to the war, cautioning that rising gasoline prices could exact a high political price from the Republican Party, with US midterm elections looming, while others are pressing Trump to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic to destroy its missile programme and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Also Read: US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM “The Guards strongly believe that if they lose control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will lose the war,” the source added, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite paramilitary force that controls large parts of the economy.

Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House said it is not interested. A White House official confirmed Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.

Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday morning that Iran’s new supreme leader is “wounded and likely disfigured,” confirming reports that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured early on in the U.S. war against Iran. 


Pentagon: Iran's New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Injured, Possibly Disfigured

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is ‘wounded and likely disfigured’. He confirmed reports about Ali Khamenei's son being injured on the first day of the conflict.

“Iran’s leadership is in no better shape, desperate and hiding. They’ve gone underground, cowering. That’s what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth told reporters.

US-Iran War: Hegseth Claims Iran Figure Linked To Trump Plot Eliminated

China’s embassy in Washington briefly posted an AI-generated video mocking a security summit hosted by US President Donald Trump, days after the POTUS took the stage, warning about "hostile foreign influence". The short animation appeared on Wednesday on the embassy’s X account before being removed early Friday. Produced by Xinhua News Agency, the video carried the title “Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?” It comes as the US continues to be engaged in a war against Iran in West Asia. The conflict began on Feb 28, with the US and Israel launching pre-emptive strikes under Operation Epic Fury and Operation Lion's Roar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-lie-lie-lie-iran-uses-inside-out-ai-satire-to-mock-trump-s-evil-impulses-amid-minab-school-strike-and-epstein-files-controversies-watch-1773374313730">'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran mocks Trump' evil impulses over Minab school strike—Watch</a><h2>Animated clip takes aim at Trump's security proposal</h2>The 18-second animation showed a bald eagle wearing a suit presiding over a group of white doves representing Latin American countries.In the video, the eagle presses a red button that first triggers an atomic explosion before promising to "keep everyone safe" and showing a large red, white and blue shield as a symbol of protection.Moments later, the shield transforms into a cage that traps the birds while the eagle says, "Relax, sometimes security comes with a little control."Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JUST IN 🇺🇸🇨🇳: The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. TRolls America&#39;s Security Pacts &quot;Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MCP02wVra7">pic.twitter.com/MCP02wVra7</a>&mdash; Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanRozbiani/status/2031913140909211940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why did China post the video now?</h2>The video was posted days after the Shield of the Americas Summit was held in Florida on March 7, 2026. The meeting brought together right wing and center right leaders from 12 Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, attended the summit.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-nobel-cannibal-khamenei-s-x-account-posts-ghastly-trump-cartoon-after-potus-floats-twisted-tomahawk-theory-on-minab-school-strike-1773194272348">'Nobel Cannibal': Khamenei’s X account posts ghastly Trump cartoon after POTUS floats Tomahawk theory on Iran school strike</a>Trump used the event to propose "hard power" against security threats. "We're working with you to do whatever we have to do. We'll use missiles. You want us to use a missile? They're extremely accurate," Trump told Latin American leaders."'Piu,' right into the living room," he said, mimicking the sound of a missile in flight. "That's the end of that cartel person. But we'll do whatever you need."<h2>Tensions over China’s regional presence</h2>Trump has repeatedly warned about China’s expanding footprint across Latin America.In his 2025 inaugural address, he claimed China was operating the Panama Canal, a statement widely disputed by analysts.At the time, a Hong Kong-based company controlled key port terminals near the canal. Last month, Panama’s highest court ruled the arrangement illegal, prompting criticism from Beijing.Chinese officials described the decision as “shameful and pathetic,” accusing the United States of political pressure.

Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?: The Chinese Embassy in Washington has sparked a fresh diplomatic row after briefly posting—and then deleting—an AI-generated animation mocking President Donald Trump’s "Shield of the Americas" summit. Watch it here

China’s embassy in Washington briefly posted an AI-generated video mocking a security summit hosted by US President Donald Trump, days after the POTUS took the stage, warning about "hostile foreign influence". The short animation appeared on Wednesday on the embassy’s X account before being removed early Friday. Produced by Xinhua News Agency, the video carried the title “Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?” It comes as the US continues to be engaged in a war against Iran in West Asia. The conflict began on Feb 28, with the US and Israel launching pre-emptive strikes under Operation Epic Fury and Operation Lion's Roar. Also read | 'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran mocks Trump' evil impulses over Minab school strike—Watch Animated clip takes aim at Trump's security proposal The 18-second animation showed a bald eagle wearing a suit presiding over a group of white doves representing Latin American countries. In the video, the eagle presses a red button that first triggers an atomic explosion before promising to "keep everyone safe" and showing a large red, white and blue shield as a symbol of protection. Moments later, the shield transforms into a cage that traps the birds while the eagle says, "Relax, sometimes security comes with a little control." Watch it here:

Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?: The Chinese Embassy in Washington has sparked a fresh diplomatic row after briefly posting—and then deleting—an AI-generated animation mocking President Donald Trump’s "Shield of the Americas" summit. Watch it here

Watch: ‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here's what it means

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran no longer distinguishes between the United States and Israel following the outbreak of the war. In a post on X, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of being “duped” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into launching the conflict. This comes as the US president on Friday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he insisted.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia?</a><h2>Trump ‘duped’ by Netanyahu?</h2>“Trump was duped by Netanyahu into starting the war and is now acting under his control,” wrote.Ghalibaf added that Iran would continue fighting until its adversaries change their approach. “The war will continue until the enemy's calculus is altered and they are driven to regret,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2/ The war will continue until the enemy&#39;s calculus is altered and they are driven to regret.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2032558167398154527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The war in West Asia has entered its third week. In the 14 days of war, Brent contracts for a barrel of crude have soared more than 42 per cent. The soaring prices of crude oil have left markets and governments everywhere skittish about energy supply and higher inflation. On Friday, oil stayed above $100 a barrel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-no-radar-trump-claims-iran-s-military-is-collapsing-says-iran-war-will-last-as-long-as-necessary-1773442127855">Trump claims Tehran is 'collapsing' says Iran war to last 'as long as necessary'</a><h2>13 Americans killed: The cost of war</h2>Since the war began, the US military has lost 13 personnel, including six who were onboard a refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq. Officials confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile fire.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that the United States and Israel are now "indistinguishable" following the escalation of Iran war. In a scathing post on X, he claimed that Trump was "duped" by Netanyahu into starting the conflict.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran no longer distinguishes between the United States and Israel following the outbreak of the war. In a post on X, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of being “duped” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into launching the conflict. This comes as the US president on Friday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he insisted. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Trump ‘duped’ by Netanyahu? “Trump was duped by Netanyahu into starting the war and is now acting under his control,” wrote. Ghalibaf added that Iran would continue fighting until its adversaries change their approach. “The war will continue until the enemy's calculus is altered and they are driven to regret,” he said.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that the United States and Israel are now "indistinguishable" following the escalation of Iran war. In a scathing post on X, he claimed that Trump was "duped" by Netanyahu into starting the conflict.

Was Trump 'duped' by Netanyahu into launching Iran war? Iranian parliament speaker makes shocking claim

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday (March 13) after South Korea’s parliament approved a special bill supporting Seoul’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States. Kim’s office said the brief meeting in Washington came a day after the South Korean legislature passed the measure, enabling the government to move forward with its investment commitment under a bilateral trade agreement reached between the two countries last year.&nbsp;Earlier in January, Trump had voiced frustration over delays in passing the bill, warning that the United States could raise its “reciprocal” tariff on South Korea to 25 per cent from 15 per cent if the legislation stalled. During their meeting, the two leaders were expected to discuss several bilateral matters, including Seoul’s investment strategy and additional agreements outlined in a joint fact sheet released in November covering trade and security cooperation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-totally-obliterate-military-targets-in-iran-s-crown-jewel-kharg-island-trump-claims-in-new-truth-social-post-1773444263312">US forces totally obliterate military targets in Iran’s crown jewel 'Kharg Island': Trump claims in new Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;The talks could also include efforts to revive diplomacy with North Korea. Speculation has grown that Trump might try to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a reported visit to China scheduled for late March to early April. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Trump have both indicated their willingness to resume engagement with Pyongyang, though it remains unclear whether North Korea will respond positively to such overtures.&nbsp;At a ruling party congress last month, Kim Jong-un said North Korea would have “no reason not to get along with the US” if Washington abandoned what he described as hostile policies, adding that future US–North Korea relations depend entirely on the United States approach. However, Pyongyang has shown little interest in resuming dialogue with South Korea.

Trump and South Korean PM discuss $350 billion investment deal, tariffs, and North Korea

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday (March 13) after South Korea’s parliament approved a special bill supporting Seoul’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States. Kim’s office said the brief meeting in Washington came a day after the South Korean legislature passed the measure, enabling the government to move forward with its investment commitment under a bilateral trade agreement reached between the two countries last year. Earlier in January, Trump had voiced frustration over delays in passing the bill, warning that the United States could raise its “reciprocal” tariff on South Korea to 25 per cent from 15 per cent if the legislation stalled. During their meeting, the two leaders were expected to discuss several bilateral matters, including Seoul’s investment strategy and additional agreements outlined in a joint fact sheet released in November covering trade and security cooperation. Also Read: US forces totally obliterate military targets in Iran’s crown jewel 'Kharg Island': Trump claims in new Truth Social post The talks could also include efforts to revive diplomacy with North Korea. Speculation has grown that Trump might try to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a reported visit to China scheduled for late March to early April. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Trump have both indicated their willingness to resume engagement with Pyongyang, though it remains unclear whether North Korea will respond positively to such overtures. At a ruling party congress last month, Kim Jong-un said North Korea would have “no reason not to get along with the US” if Washington abandoned what he described as hostile policies, adding that future US–North Korea relations depend entirely on the United States approach. However, Pyongyang has shown little interest in resuming dialogue with South Korea.

South Korea’s PM Kim Min-seok met Donald Trump after Seoul approved a $350 billion US investment bill, with talks also touching on tariffs and possible North Korea diplomacy

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran ‘has no radar,’ while insisting that the Iran war will last as long as necessary. The POTUS effectively signalled that the US and Israel have achieved total air supremacy over Iran. Speaking to the press at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington, the US President claimed that Iran's military capabilities have been severely weakened after 14 days of war with the United States and Israel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia?</a><h2>Iran is ‘collapsing’, claims Trump</h2>Speaking to the press, Trump claimed Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he said, adding that the US military had been rebuilt during his presidency after previously being in poor condition. “I built our military, rebuilt it, it was all in bad shape,” he said.&nbsp;He also acknowledged that US and Israeli objectives in Iran “might be a little different."President Donald Trump on Friday said the US and Israeli objectives in Iran “might be a little different,”&nbsp;“Well, I think they might be a little different, I guess, they’re a different country than we are. But he (PM Benjamin Netanyahu) will tell you there’s never been a power like the power of the United States,” Trump told reporters.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-trump-duped-by-netanyahu-into-launching-iran-war-iranian-parliament-speaker-makes-shocking-claim-1773450862372">Was Trump 'duped' by Netanyahu into launching Iran war? Iranian parliament speaker makes shocking claim</a><h2>US Navy to escort ships out of Strait of Hormuz</h2>With oil prices spiking as the war enters its third week, Trump was asked when the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Gulf's critical Strait of Hormuz. "It'll happen soon, very soon," he said. However, he did not share a timeline.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Speaking from Joint Base Andrews on the 14th day of Operation Epic Fury, President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s military has been "largely neutralized," claiming the regime now "has no radar" and "no navy." Here's what he said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran ‘has no radar,’ while insisting that the Iran war will last as long as necessary. The POTUS effectively signalled that the US and Israel have achieved total air supremacy over Iran. Speaking to the press at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington, the US President claimed that Iran's military capabilities have been severely weakened after 14 days of war with the United States and Israel. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Iran is ‘collapsing’, claims Trump Speaking to the press, Trump claimed Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he said, adding that the US military had been rebuilt during his presidency after previously being in poor condition. “I built our military, rebuilt it, it was all in bad shape,” he said. He also acknowledged that US and Israeli objectives in Iran “might be a little different." President Donald Trump on Friday said the US and Israeli objectives in Iran “might be a little different,” “Well, I think they might be a little different, I guess, they’re a different country than we are. But he (PM Benjamin Netanyahu) will tell you there’s never been a power like the power of the United States,” Trump told reporters. Also read | Was Trump 'duped' by Netanyahu into launching Iran war? Iranian parliament speaker makes shocking claim US Navy to escort ships out of Strait of Hormuz With oil prices spiking as the war enters its third week, Trump was asked when the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Gulf's critical Strait of Hormuz. "It'll happen soon, very soon," he said. However, he did not share a timeline. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Speaking from Joint Base Andrews on the 14th day of Operation Epic Fury, President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s military has been "largely neutralised," claiming the regime now "has no radar" and "no navy." Here's what he said.

'They have no radar': Trump claims Iran’s military is 'collapsing,' says Iran war will last 'as long as necessary'

US President Donald Trump initially encouraged Iranians protesting their government with a bold message: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” When announcing the opening strikes on February 28, he urged the Iranian public to seize control of their country. “When we are finished, take over your government,” Trump said. “It will be yours to take.” However, in a radio interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade on Friday (March 13), Trump acknowledged that such an uprising would face serious obstacles. He noted that the Basij militia, a plainclothes force affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, would likely respond violently to any mass protests.&nbsp;“You just mentioned to me a group of people that go around with machine guns and shoot them down, and they say, ‘Anybody protests, we’re going to kill you in the streets.’ So I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons,” Trump said. “I think it’s a very big hurdle,” he continued. “So that’ll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately. Who’s going to do that? They literally have people in the streets with machine guns, machine gunning people down if they want to protest. OK?”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-us-sending-2-200-marines-and-3-warships-to-middle-east-amid-iran-shipping-attacks-here-s-what-reports-say-1773423747216">Is US sending 2,200 Marines and 3 warships to Middle East amid Iran shipping attacks? Here's what reports say</a>&nbsp;The comments marked a shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, when he predicted a rapid victory and suggested a hopeful future for Iran following US military action. After the airstrike that killed Iran’s longtime leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the conflict, Trump offered varying ideas about how a new government might emerge. In a brief interview with The New York Times on Sunday, he said he hoped Iran’s elite forces, including officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, might eventually surrender their weapons to the public.&nbsp;But in the later radio interview, two weeks into the war, Trump acknowledged that Iran’s leadership remains deeply entrenched and unlikely to collapse quickly under public pressure. “These are bad people. They go out shooting protesters. You’re a protester. They shoot you right through the head,” he said. Trump also noted that both he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understood why many Iranians might hesitate to protest.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-hits-back-at-pete-hegseth-s-rats-remark-with-epstein-island-jibe-wion-1773432002858/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-hits-back-at-pete-hegseth-s-rats-remark-with-epstein-island-jibe-wion-1773432002858/embed</a>&nbsp;The Basij militia, estimated to have around one million members, has long been central to suppressing dissent and played a major role in the violent crackdown on nationwide protests that began in January and reportedly left thousands dead. Trump also claimed that Iran now has “virtually no military left.” Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Netanyahu also expressed uncertainty about whether internal protests could actually topple the Iranian government. “We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime,” he said, “but I won’t deny that I can’t tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime, a regime is toppled from the inside.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

‘A big hurdle for Iranians without weapons to challenge regime': Trump

US President Donald Trump initially encouraged Iranians protesting their government with a bold message: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” When announcing the opening strikes on February 28, he urged the Iranian public to seize control of their country. “When we are finished, take over your government,” Trump said. “It will be yours to take.” However, in a radio interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade on Friday (March 13), Trump acknowledged that such an uprising would face serious obstacles. He noted that the Basij militia, a plainclothes force affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, would likely respond violently to any mass protests. “You just mentioned to me a group of people that go around with machine guns and shoot them down, and they say, ‘Anybody protests, we’re going to kill you in the streets.’ So I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons,” Trump said. “I think it’s a very big hurdle,” he continued. “So that’ll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately. Who’s going to do that? They literally have people in the streets with machine guns, machine gunning people down if they want to protest. OK?” Also Read: Is US sending 2,200 Marines and 3 warships to Middle East amid Iran shipping attacks? Here's what reports say The comments marked a shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, when he predicted a rapid victory and suggested a hopeful future for Iran following US military action. After the airstrike that killed Iran’s longtime leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the conflict, Trump offered varying ideas about how a new government might emerge. In a brief interview with The New York Times on Sunday, he said he hoped Iran’s elite forces, including officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, might eventually surrender their weapons to the public. But in the later radio interview, two weeks into the war, Trump acknowledged that Iran’s leadership remains deeply entrenched and unlikely to collapse quickly under public pressure. “These are bad people. They go out shooting protesters. You’re a protester. They shoot you right through the head,” he said. Trump also noted that both he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understood why many Iranians might hesitate to protest. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-hits-back-at-pete-hegseth-s-rats-remark-with-epstein-island-jibe-wion-1773432002858/embed The Basij militia, estimated to have around one million members, has long been central to suppressing dissent and played a major role in the violent crackdown on nationwide protests that began in January and reportedly left thousands dead. Trump also claimed that Iran now has “virtually no military left.” Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Netanyahu also expressed uncertainty about whether internal protests could actually topple the Iranian government. “We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime,” he said, “but I won’t deny that I can’t tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime, a regime is toppled from the inside.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump admits Iranian uprising is difficult due to Basij crackdown, saying protesters risk being ‘machine gunned’ despite earlier calls to rise up

Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani fired back at U.S. criticism amid the US‑Iran war, mocking American leaders by referencing Epstein Island in a viral social‑media post — a jab that underscores rising diplomatic and information‑war tensions between Tehran and Washington. His remarks came after U.S. comments accusing Iran’s leadership of hiding from conflict. The exchange highlights how the war’s rhetoric now mixes geopolitical confrontation with provocative personal attacks. 


US-Iran War: Iran's Larijani Hits US with Epstein Island Jibe 

As the US‑Iran war continues, recent remarks by US President Donald Trump signal a possible escalation in military operations in the coming days. Trump has publicly claimed significant progress in degrading Iran’s capabilities and hinted the conflict is nearing its conclusion, even as tensions remain high and Iranian leadership vows resistance.


US-Iran War: US President's Remarks on Iran Signal Escalation in Coming Days

France and Italy have reportedly opened diplomatic channels with Iran to ensure the safe passage of commercial and strategic vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint in global oil trade. This move comes amid rising regional tensions and concerns over maritime security. Stay updated on diplomatic efforts, shipping safety, and the broader geopolitical impact in the Middle East.


Report: France, Italy Seek to Secure Passage of Ships Through Hormuz 

President Donald Trump warned in an interview aired on Friday that the United States would strike Iran “very hard over the ⁠next week”. “We are going to be hitting them very hard over the next week,” he said in the interview ⁠with Fox News Radio’s ‘The Brian Kilmeade Show’. “We have already damaged them so badly it would take years for them to ever rebuild,” he added.&nbsp;Replying to a question on what message he would send to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Trump said, “Well, they’ve been doing a lot of talking, so he’s going to have to put up. We’ll have to see because we are decimating them.”&nbsp;“We’ve knocked out most of their missiles. We’ve knocked out many of their drones. We knocked out a lot of the manufacturing areas where they manufacture the missiles and now the drones.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re hitting them harder than anybody’s been hit since World War II.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-close-to-critical-minerals-deal-announcement-likely-soon-ambassador-sergio-gor-1773409906075">‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor</a><h2>‘He’s damaged, but probably alive in some form’</h2>&nbsp;Speaking about Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who is yet to be seen in public, Trump said, “I think he’s damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form.”&nbsp;When asked when he will know the war is over, Trump replied, “When I feel it, okay? I feel it in my bones”&nbsp;On being asked when the Iranian government will fall, Trump said, “I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons. I think it’s a very big hurdle... It’ll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uavs-sighted-between-rawalpindi-and-islamabad-shot-down-pak-denies-airspace-closure-reports-1773419261615">UAVs sighted between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, shot down; Pak denies airspace closure reports</a>&nbsp;Trump also said that the US would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed.“We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. We’re going to see what happens.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Putin might be helping them a little bit’</h2>&nbsp;Trump also said that he suspects Russian leader Vladimir Putin was aiding Iran in the war against the United States and Israel.“I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-tanker-with-indian-captain-went-dark-to-cross-high-risk-strait-of-hormuz-reach-mumbai-1773315721972">Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai</a>&nbsp;Several US media outlets have reported that Russia provided targeting information to Iran for attacking US forces in the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;The US president also said that Washington is not currently focused on an operation to take Iran’s uranium but said it could become an option later.“Not focused on it, but at some point we might be,” Trump said in the interview with Fox News Radio.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said that he suspects Russian leader Vladimir Putin was aiding Iran in the war against the United States and Israel. Several US media outlets have reported that Russia provided targeting information to Iran for attacking US forces in the ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump warned in an interview aired on Friday that the United States would strike Iran “very hard over the ⁠next week”. “We are going to be hitting them very hard over the next week,” he said in the interview ⁠with Fox News Radio’s ‘The Brian Kilmeade Show’. “We have already damaged them so badly it would take years for them to ever rebuild,” he added. Replying to a question on what message he would send to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Trump said, “Well, they’ve been doing a lot of talking, so he’s going to have to put up. We’ll have to see because we are decimating them.” “We’ve knocked out most of their missiles. We’ve knocked out many of their drones. We knocked out a lot of the manufacturing areas where they manufacture the missiles and now the drones.” “We’re hitting them harder than anybody’s been hit since World War II.” Also Read: ‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor ‘He’s damaged, but probably alive in some form’ Speaking about Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who is yet to be seen in public, Trump said, “I think he’s damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form.” When asked when he will know the war is over, Trump replied, “When I feel it, okay? I feel it in my bones” On being asked when the Iranian government will fall, Trump said, “I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons. I think it’s a very big hurdle... It’ll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately.” Also Read: UAVs sighted between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, shot down; Pak denies airspace closure reports Trump also said that the US would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed. “We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. We’re going to see what happens.” ‘Putin might be helping them a little bit’ Trump also said that he suspects Russian leader Vladimir Putin was aiding Iran in the war against the United States and Israel. “I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” Trump said. Also Read: Oil tanker, with Indian captain, went ‘dark’ to cross high-risk Strait of Hormuz, reach Mumbai Several US media outlets have reported that Russia provided targeting information to Iran for attacking US forces in the ongoing conflict. The US president also said that Washington is not currently focused on an operation to take Iran’s uranium but said it could become an option later. “Not focused on it, but at some point we might be,” Trump said in the interview with Fox News Radio.

President Donald Trump said that he suspects Russian leader Vladimir Putin was aiding Iran in the war against the United States and Israel. Several US media outlets have reported that Russia provided targeting information to Iran for attacking US forces in the ongoing conflict.

‘Going to be hitting them very hard over the next week’: Trump warns Iran

#Gravitas U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly reviewing a massive arms package for Taiwan valued at roughly 14 billion dollars. If approved, this would become the largest U.S. weapons deal ever for the island nation.  


Trump to Clear Major Missile Package for Taiwan After Xi Meeting?

7 reasons Trump’s Iran war is not over — From Strait of Hormuz to nuclear fears

US president Trump has claimed victory over Iran, but oil shocks, nuclear fears, political tensions and military risks complicate the narrative of success

Leaders of the Group of Seven have urged Donald Trump to ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise in the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The vital maritime chokepoint carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making its security crucial for global energy markets. G7 leaders stressed the need to safeguard commercial shipping and maintain the free flow of energy amid growing fears of disruption to international oil trade.


US-Iran War: G7 Asks Trump to Ensure Safe Passage Through Hormuz 

U.S. forces across the Middle East are increasingly feeling the impact of Iranian retaliation as the war continues to escalate. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted American military positions and regional allies following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.


US-Iran War: US Forces Feel of Iranian Retaliation As War Rages On 

Donald Trump has claimed that the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran was launched to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump said the military campaign is aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear programme and ensuring it cannot obtain a nuclear bomb.


US-Iran War: Trump Claims War Has Started to Stop Iran's Nuclear Programme

Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Donald Trump has sharply criticized Tehran, calling it a “nation of terror” and saying the country is “paying a big price” for its actions. The remarks come as the United States intensifies military operations and pressure on Iranian targets across the region.


US-Iran War: US President Calls Iran 'Nation of Terror' Says Its Paying Big Price

Donald Trump held a call with leaders of the Group of Seven nations to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran and rising tensions in the Middle East. During the discussion, Trump reportedly briefed allies on the progress of military operations and the broader geopolitical situation, while emphasizing the need for coordination among global powers. 


US-Iran War: Trump Gets on Call with G7 Leaders, Discusses Iran War

US President Donald Trump’s war on Iran, code-named Operation Epic Fury, has turned into a demonstration of how badly he misjudged Iran’s response. It deserves the code-name Operation Epic Miscalculation. The war began on February 28 with a social media posting by Trump issued at 0230 on a Saturday morning, and based on a lie. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” The dictionary definition of “imminent” is “about to happen at any moment.” Twelve days into what military experts from both sides of the American political divide consider a war of choice, Trump and his aides have yet to explain the nature of the “imminent” threat. Instead, the Trump administration has provided multiple shifting and frequently contradictory explanations for the need to go to war at a time when negotiations were still in progress, and there was no sign of any impending attacks by the repressive theocracy running Iran. The first American air strikes killed Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as well as senior officials, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohamamed Pakpour. Also killed: close members of Khamenei’s family, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild. Khomein’s son Mojtaba Khomenei was named Supreme Leader to succeed his father. Aged 56 and as hard-line anti-American as his father, the son was injured in the attack and has not been seen in public but Iranian state television on Thursday read a statement it said was from him declaring that Iran would keep closed the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway which carries around a fifth of the world’s oil, by firing on tankers using it. That Iran, after days of devastating air strikes, the Defence Department said more than 5,000 targets had been hit, would be able to stop traffic through the Straits, looks like a major miscalculation by Trump aides. But it was not the only one. Iran retaliated to the American attacks, carried out in parallel with Israeli strikes, by launching drone and missile strikes on its Gulf neighbours. Although Iranian spokesmen insisted the targets were US military installations, drones, and missiles also hit hotels and airports. That created massive disruptions of global air traffic, stranding millions of passengers because of at least 37,000 flight cancellations. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, cancelled more than 4,000 flights shortly after the conflict began. A key miscalculation of the effect of devastating strikes and the killing of the Supreme Leader was that “decapitation”, the killing of many of the top leaders, would result in swift government surrender. Trump has repeatedly cited what happened in Venezuela as the perfect way to bend a country to his will. In a stunning display of military skill, US special operations forces captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia from their heavily fortified compound in Caracas. After the pre-dawn raid on January 3, the two were flown to New York to face criminal charges of drug trafficking. The spectacular abduction did not change the government. His Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, was named interim president. Under her leadership, the Venezuelan government is just as repressive as it was under Maduro, but Rodriguez has made clear she is willing to accede to Washington's demands to open access to Venezuelan oil to US companies. There is no equally compliant Iranian leader in sight. While the Trump administration’s ideas of what comes next in Iran have zigged and zagged, Trump has ruled out any deal with oil-rich Iran and said there must be “unconditional surrender.” That is an odd demand because the phrase implies that officials of the warring sides sign documents to end hostilities. The last time that happened was on September 2, 1945, when Japanese officials signed an “instrument of surrender” which ended the war in the Pacific. The Trump administration sees the US as the sole arbiter of victory. Press spokesman Karoline Leavitt explained that surrender is achieved when Trump determines that Iran is no longer a threat, whether Tehran admits it or not. Domestically, Trump’s war brings him into conflict with millions of Americans who voted for him because he campaigned against his predecessors’ “endless wars” in Iraq and Afghanistan and their military interference elsewhere. Polls show that the majority of Americans disapprove of the war with Iran and are disappointed that Trump’s promise of a Golden Age of lower costs of living has not been fulfilled. It remains to be seen what effect that will have on November’s mid-term elections for the House of Representatives, now controlled by a slim majority of Republicans. It partly depends on whether Trump comes up with a more convincing explanation of the “imminent threat.”&nbsp; It also depends on how resilient the Iranian regime proves to be despite the loss of most of its navy, air defences, missile launchers, and drone factories. &nbsp;An exclusive report by Reuters on Thursday quotes US intelligence reports saying that Iran’s leadership is not at risk of collapse any time soon and retains control of the Iranian public. That contrasts with Trump’s assertion that he will end the biggest military operation since 2003 “soon.” Like “imminent”, “soon” awaits an explanation.

The war on Iran: Epic fury turns into epic miscalculation

US President Donald Trump’s war on Iran, code-named Operation Epic Fury, has turned into a demonstration of how badly he misjudged Iran’s response. It deserves the code-name Operation Epic Miscalculation. The war began on February 28 with a social media posting by Trump issued at 0230 on a Saturday morning, and based on a lie. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” The dictionary definition of “imminent” is “about to happen at any moment.” Twelve days into what military experts from both sides of the American political divide consider a war of choice, Trump and his aides have yet to explain the nature of the “imminent” threat. Instead, the Trump administration has provided multiple shifting and frequently contradictory explanations for the need to go to war at a time when negotiations were still in progress, and there was no sign of any impending attacks by the repressive theocracy running Iran. The first American air strikes killed Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as well as senior officials, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohamamed Pakpour. Also killed: close members of Khamenei’s family, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild. Khomein’s son Mojtaba Khomenei was named Supreme Leader to succeed his father. Aged 56 and as hard-line anti-American as his father, the son was injured in the attack and has not been seen in public but Iranian state television on Thursday read a statement it said was from him declaring that Iran would keep closed the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway which carries around a fifth of the world’s oil, by firing on tankers using it. That Iran, after days of devastating air strikes, the Defence Department said more than 5,000 targets had been hit, would be able to stop traffic through the Straits, looks like a major miscalculation by Trump aides. But it was not the only one. Iran retaliated to the American attacks, carried out in parallel with Israeli strikes, by launching drone and missile strikes on its Gulf neighbours. Although Iranian spokesmen insisted the targets were US military installations, drones, and missiles also hit hotels and airports. That created massive disruptions of global air traffic, stranding millions of passengers because of at least 37,000 flight cancellations. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, cancelled more than 4,000 flights shortly after the conflict began. A key miscalculation of the effect of devastating strikes and the killing of the Supreme Leader was that “decapitation”, the killing of many of the top leaders, would result in swift government surrender. Trump has repeatedly cited what happened in Venezuela as the perfect way to bend a country to his will. In a stunning display of military skill, US special operations forces captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia from their heavily fortified compound in Caracas. After the pre-dawn raid on January 3, the two were flown to New York to face criminal charges of drug trafficking. The spectacular abduction did not change the government. His Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, was named interim president. Under her leadership, the Venezuelan government is just as repressive as it was under Maduro, but Rodriguez has made clear she is willing to accede to Washington's demands to open access to Venezuelan oil to US companies. There is no equally compliant Iranian leader in sight. While the Trump administration’s ideas of what comes next in Iran have zigged and zagged, Trump has ruled out any deal with oil-rich Iran and said there must be “unconditional surrender.” That is an odd demand because the phrase implies that officials of the warring sides sign documents to end hostilities. The last time that happened was on September 2, 1945, when Japanese officials signed an “instrument of surrender” which ended the war in the Pacific. The Trump administration sees the US as the sole arbiter of victory. Press spokesman Karoline Leavitt explained that surrender is achieved when Trump determines that Iran is no longer a threat, whether Tehran admits it or not. Domestically, Trump’s war brings him into conflict with millions of Americans who voted for him because he campaigned against his predecessors’ “endless wars” in Iraq and Afghanistan and their military interference elsewhere. Polls show that the majority of Americans disapprove of the war with Iran and are disappointed that Trump’s promise of a Golden Age of lower costs of living has not been fulfilled. It remains to be seen what effect that will have on November’s mid-term elections for the House of Representatives, now controlled by a slim majority of Republicans. It partly depends on whether Trump comes up with a more convincing explanation of the “imminent threat.” It also depends on how resilient the Iranian regime proves to be despite the loss of most of its navy, air defences, missile launchers, and drone factories. An exclusive report by Reuters on Thursday quotes US intelligence reports saying that Iran’s leadership is not at risk of collapse any time soon and retains control of the Iranian public. That contrasts with Trump’s assertion that he will end the biggest military operation since 2003 “soon.” Like “imminent”, “soon” awaits an explanation.

While the Trump administration’s ideas of what comes next in Iran have zigged and zagged, Trump has ruled out any deal with oil-rich Iran and said there must be 'unconditional surrender'

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump as the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify. Posting on X on Thursday (March 12), Larijani said Trump would face consequences for what he called a “grave miscalculation” in starting the war. Larijani stressed that Iran would continue its military actions and would not back down until the US president regrets the decision. "Trump says he is looking for a speedy victory. While starting a war is easy, it cannot be won with a few tweets. We will not relent until making you sorry for this grave miscalculation," wrote Larijani on X. He also ended his post with the hashtag #TrumpMustPay, signalling Tehran’s hardline stance amid the ongoing confrontation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-some-people-are-trying-to-create-panic-on-lpg-says-pm-modi-amid-global-energy-crisis-1773340680370">'Some people are trying to create panic on LPG,' says PM Modi amid global energy crisis</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump says he is looking for a speedy victory. While starting a war is easy, it cannot be won with a few tweets. We will not relent until making you sorry for this grave miscalculation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpMustPay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpMustPay</a>&mdash; Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/alilarijani_ir/status/2032128509817037247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump says Iran war ‘very much complete’</h2>Larijani’s remarks came a day after Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that the war in Iran was “very much complete.” However, the US president also suggested that the conflict would end when he chose to end it. Trump further said that the United States is currently striking Iran “harder than any country ever before,” citing what he described as “47 years of damage Tehran has inflicted on the world.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-asia-airlines-raise-fares-as-jet-fuel-prices-surge-wion-1773344703249/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-asia-airlines-raise-fares-as-jet-fuel-prices-surge-wion-1773344703249/embed</a>&nbsp;The US-Israeli joint military operation against Iran has now expanded into a wider regional conflict. Tehran has reportedly targeted US and Israeli military bases across the Gulf region, with drone and missile attacks affecting nearby countries including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The escalating tensions have also triggered concerns about a global oil crisis. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'War cannot be won with a few tweets': Iran’s Ali Larijani warns Donald Trump as Middle East conflict intensifies 

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump as the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify. Posting on X on Thursday (March 12), Larijani said Trump would face consequences for what he called a “grave miscalculation” in starting the war. Larijani stressed that Iran would continue its military actions and would not back down until the US president regrets the decision. "Trump says he is looking for a speedy victory. While starting a war is easy, it cannot be won with a few tweets. We will not relent until making you sorry for this grave miscalculation," wrote Larijani on X. He also ended his post with the hashtag #TrumpMustPay, signalling Tehran’s hardline stance amid the ongoing confrontation. Also Read: 'Some people are trying to create panic on LPG,' says PM Modi amid global energy crisis

Ali Larijani warns Donald Trump, Iran won’t stop attacks until he is ‘sorry’, as the US-Israel war expands across the Gulf and threatens global oil supply

'War cannot be won with a few tweets': Iran’s Ali Larijani warns Donald Trump as Middle East conflict intensifies

U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the future political prospects of social media star‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul, suggesting that Paul could become a significant figure in American politics. Trump’s comments come as Paul’s public profile continues to grow, with the influencer branching into political commentary and endorsing conservative positions. 


Donald Trump Predicts Political Future for Jake Paul

In a controversial remarks during the ongoing US‑Iran war, US President Donald Trump said that when he asked military officials why Iranian warships were sunk instead of captured, one of his generals replied that “it’s a lot more fun” to sink them — a comment that drew laughter from the audience. Trump also boasted about the number of Iranian vessels destroyed and framed the military campaign as highly successful, even suggesting the conflict could be nearing its end.


US-Iran War: Trump Says His Generals Told Him 'It was Fun to Watch Ships Sink' 

As the US‑Iran war continues with no end in sight, the mounting economic and political costs are emerging as a major challenge for the Trump administration. Officials recently estimated that the first six days of the conflict cost the United States at least $11.3 billion, with munitions, deployments and operations burning through huge resources and prompting possible requests for tens of billions more in funding from Congress.


US-Iran War: Trump Being Punished by Hidden Cost of War As Hostilities Continue 

The war in West Asia is spiraling out of control. Cluster bombs are falling, rockets are being fired in waves as the conflict enters its thirteenth day. U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed his own advisers for the decision that ignited the war, while Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warns American bases across the region could face direct attack. 


US-Iran War: Trump Deflects Iran War Blame; Tehran Issues Deadly Warning to U.S. Bases

Amid the ongoing US‑Iran war, US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces effectively won the conflict within the first hour of “Operation Epic Fury”, saying the military dealt decisive blows to Iran’s capabilities early on.


US-Iran War | Trump: US Won in Iran in the Very First Hour of Op Epic Fury 

Amid the ongoing US‑Iran war, US President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about when and how the conflict might end. At times he has hinted that the war could conclude “soon” because there is “practically nothing left to target,” suggesting a swift end, while at other moments he has insisted the military campaign must continue until all objectives are met.


US-Iran War: US President Sends Mixed Signals on Ending Iran War

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