The conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate as military operations expand across the region. During a recent appearance at a Republican conference, President Donald Trump shared details about the destruction of Iranian naval vessels and revealed he initially questioned why U.S. forces chose to sink the ships rather than capture them.
Trump Says He Was ‘Upset’ After U.S. Forces Sank Iranian Ships
President Donald Trump said he was briefly upset after learning that U.S. forces destroyed dozens of Iranian vessels during the ongoing conflict instead of capturing them.
Speaking at the Republican Members Issues Conference, Trump described a conversation he said he had with military officials about the decision to sink the ships.
According to Trump, he asked why the vessels were destroyed rather than seized.
“I said, ‘Why didn’t we capture the ship? We could’ve used it,’” Trump told the audience.
Military officials reportedly told him that sinking the ships was the safer option during the operation.
U.S. Claims Dozens of Iranian Ships Destroyed
Trump said American forces sank 46 Iranian ships during the conflict, which he claimed occurred within about three and a half days.
The remarks came as the United States continues military operations against Iran under a campaign the Pentagon has called Operation Epic Fury.
According to U.S. officials, the campaign began on February 28 and involves strikes on Iranian military facilities and infrastructure.
Operation Epic Fury Targets Iranian Military Infrastructure
United States Central Command said the operation has targeted thousands of sites across Iran believed to pose an imminent threat.
Military officials said the strikes are aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and security network.
CENTCOM reported that during the first ten days of the operation, more than 50 Iranian naval vessels were damaged or destroyed.
The campaign involves airstrikes and other military operations carried out by American forces deployed across the region.
Trump Claims Iranian Leadership Weakened
During his remarks, Trump also argued that the conflict has significantly weakened Iran’s leadership structure.
He said several Iranian leaders connected to militant groups have been eliminated or forced into hiding.
“Their terrorist leaders are gone or counting down the minutes until they will be gone,” Trump said while addressing the audience.
The president suggested that the conflict may soon reach a turning point.
Trump Says War Could End Soon
Trump told reporters during a press conference that the military campaign could conclude “very soon” if key strategic goals are achieved.
He suggested the United States is close to completing its primary military objectives.
However, Pentagon officials have offered a more cautious assessment of the timeline.
Pentagon Says Conflict Is Still in Early Stages
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a recent interview with CBS News that the military operation is still developing.
Speaking on 60 Minutes, Hegseth said the campaign is only beginning and may continue for some time.
He explained that the mission involves tens of thousands of U.S. troops and multiple operations targeting Iran’s military infrastructure.
War Began After Coordinated Strikes
The conflict started in late February when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets.
Those attacks triggered a broader regional confrontation that has already led to casualties and increased tensions throughout the Middle East.
Analysts warn that continued military escalation could have significant consequences for regional stability.
