Airstrikes on Iranian territory are intensifying, while the strategic Strait of Hormuz is simmering under growing international tension. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump insists that his mission has not yet been completed and that operations will continue until “mission accomplished.”
During a press conference at the White House, Trump stated that the United States had targeted more than 7,000 military and commercial sites, claiming that all of Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities had been destroyed.
When asked about the possibility of ending the war this week, Trump responded, “Yes,” but added that he would not do so, and would continue the mission “until it is completed,” asserting that the end of operations would be near and that the world would be safer afterward.
He further explained that the first tier of Iranian leadership had been eliminated, followed by the second tier during a meeting to select a new supreme leader, while the third tier remains “unknown.”
In this context, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Washington, Wijd Waqfi, stated that the phrase “mission accomplished” is a clear indication from Trump of an intention to “remove the Iranian regime,” citing the continuation of operations targeting Iranian leadership, military factories, and missile and drone production facilities.
The correspondent added that this strategy reflects the determination of the United States and Israel to “completely dismantle the Iranian leadership and ensure a decisive military resolution to the conflict.”
She also explained that Trump is seeking to form an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect the passage of oil tankers. However, most major powers have not yet responded, with announcements expected soon regarding the countries that have agreed to participate.
According to Waqfi, the United States has not yet succeeded in securing the passage of tankers and commercial vessels near the strait, highlighting two key challenges facing the Trump administration: continuing military operations to achieve “mission accomplished,” while simultaneously ensuring the security of the strait.
Since February 28, Israel and the United States have launched large scale attacks on Iran, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Minister of Defense, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and other military leaders.
Tehran has responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel, in addition to targeting what it describes as U.S. military bases and interests in the region.
