Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump told CBS News he believes the war against Iran is “very complete” and said Washington is “very far” ahead of his initial four to five week estimated time frame.
Trump’s assessment of the war
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no Air Force,” Trump told CBS News.
Strait of Hormuz comments and shipping
Asked about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said ships are moving through now, but that he is “thinking about taking it over.” The strait is a key oil transit chokepoint, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, and the war has left the passageway all but shut.
Start of attacks and responses
The United States and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28, and Iran responded with its own strikes against Israel and Gulf states with U.S. bases.
Objectives, casualties, and leadership remarks
Trump has offered shifting objectives and timelines for the war, which has killed scores in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Iran’s new Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain supreme leader, Trump said: “I have no message for him.” Trump said he has someone in mind to lead Iran but did not elaborate.
Previous position on Iran’s leadership
Trump has previously said he wants to have a say in determining Iran’s leader, which Tehran has rejected.
What do you think would be the impact of taking over the Strait of Hormuz on global energy shipments?
