Written by Layla Hassan, Middle East & North Africa Correspondent
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States is “moving fast” in its confrontation with Iran, claiming in a post on Truth Social that Iran’s military has been “largely destroyed” and that its navy and air force no longer pose a significant threat to American forces in the Gulf.
“We are moving fast, and Iran knows it,” Trump wrote. “Their military is destroyed. Their navy cannot sail. Their air force cannot fly. The sanctions worked — and now the military is doing what should have been done long ago.”
The post came as the US confirmed strikes on Iranian radar installations on Qeshm Island and in the Goruk region — the first confirmed US military action inside Iranian territory. Iran’s IRGC said at least three of its personnel were killed and vowed a “proportional and decisive response.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister responded that “arrogant threats from Washington will not intimidate the Iranian people” and that Iran would pursue all available legal avenues at the UN Security Council.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration’s goal was a “negotiated solution” but that all options remained on the table. Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising 2.1% to $123.80 per barrel.