US and Israel to Launch Joint Military Operation Against Iran Soon

US President Donald Trump held a press conference in Doral, Florida, on Tuesday, where he addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran. The war began on February 28, following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump stated that the US and Israel have struck approximately 5,000 targets since the start of the conflict. He described the past 10 days as a “short-term excursion” and claimed that hostilities would soon come to an end.

The US president also reiterated his stance on Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a significant increase in oil prices. Trump stated that the US is taking measures to ensure safe passage for tankers operating in the Gulf, including offering political risk insurance.

Trump also announced that the US and Israel are continuing to target Iran’s drone and missile stocks. He claimed that Iran’s “missile capability” has been significantly reduced, with estimates suggesting it is now down to around 10 percent.

The president’s comments came after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Trump stated that Putin expressed a desire to be “helpful” on the Middle East conflict. However, Trump also mentioned that he had previously suggested that Putin could be more effective in resolving the Ukraine war.

Trump’s remarks were followed by a show of loyalty from Iran’s hardliners, who gathered to support Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader. The US president expressed disappointment with the selection and stated that it would lead to further instability for the country.

Israel has also announced plans to target any new Iranian leader chosen to replace Ayatollah Khamenei. Trump reiterated his claims that a joint US-Israeli offensive was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, stating that it would have led to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.

Source: Al Jazeera