U.S. President Donald Trump said the US war with Iran could almost be over, claiming Tehran's military capabilities have been decimated after more than 3,000 targets were struck in the first week of operations, and revealed he is "thinking about taking over" the Strait of Hormuz.
In a phone interview with CBS News on Monday from his Florida golf club, Trump stated: "I think the war is very complete, pretty much. [Iran has] no navy, no communications, they've got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place."
Commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of global oil supply flows, has effectively halted. Trump warned Iran against any interference: "They better not try anything cute or it's going to be the end of that country."
Following his remarks, the US benchmark crude oil dropped as much as 13.7% before partially recovering.
Trump also addressed Iran's new leadership after Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei replaced his father as supreme leader, stating he has "no message" for him but has someone else in mind to lead the country.
Despite the president's assessment, the Department of Defense posted on X: "We have Only Just Begun to Fight" and "no mercy." Seven Americans have died in combat so far.
Asked about the war timeline, Trump said: "Wrapping up is all in my mind, nobody else's."
