As the United States–Israel conflict with Iran entered its fifteenth day on Saturday, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had been “totally defeated” by ongoing military operations and was now seeking negotiations. However, Trump stated that he would not accept any deal proposed by the current Iranian leadership, suggesting that any potential agreement would fall short of US expectations.
In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump praised the performance of the US military during the conflict and criticised media organisations for allegedly underreporting what he described as the scale of American success. In the post, he wrote that the US armed forces had performed exceptionally well against Iran and claimed that Tehran was now looking for a deal after suffering major setbacks. At the same time, he indicated that he would reject any agreement that did not meet his standards.
Trump’s remarks came amid continuing tensions across the Middle East as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to expand. The confrontation has already entered its third week and has drawn in multiple countries across the region, raising concerns about a wider regional war.
A major development occurred on Friday when the United States carried out strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf. Kharg Island is one of Iran’s most strategically important locations because it serves as a central hub for the country’s oil export infrastructure. According to Trump, American forces targeted military facilities on the island but deliberately avoided striking oil installations at this stage.
Despite sparing the oil infrastructure during the operation, Trump warned that Iran’s energy facilities could become potential targets if Tehran continues interfering with international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow maritime corridor is one of the most critical oil transit routes in the world, with roughly one-fifth of globally traded crude oil passing through it each day.
Iranian officials have previously warned that attacks on strategic locations such as Kharg Island could provoke stronger retaliation. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf had earlier stated that strikes on Iran’s southern maritime frontier could push the country to abandon its restraint and escalate its response.
The conflict has increasingly spread beyond Iran’s territory and now involves multiple areas across the Gulf region. Iranian forces have launched several missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as certain Gulf states, while Israeli and American aircraft have continued carrying out strikes on military facilities and infrastructure within Iran.
As the situation intensifies, the United States has begun reinforcing its military presence across the region. US officials confirmed that approximately 2,500 additional Marines are being deployed to the Middle East. The deployment also includes the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, which will support the expanded military operations.
The reinforcements are expected to include elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a highly mobile and rapid-response force. Such units are capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including amphibious assaults, embassy protection, evacuation of civilians and humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
US naval forces are already heavily engaged in the region. Earlier reports indicated that around a dozen US naval vessels were operating in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The presence of these ships reflects the scale of military preparations and the seriousness of the ongoing confrontation.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that American operations against Iran have been extensive since the conflict began. According to him, more than 15,000 targets within Iranian territory have been struck by US forces during the campaign.
Israeli officials have also reported major military activity. According to the Israeli military, its air force targeted more than 200 locations in a single day during one phase of the operation. These strikes reportedly included missile launch sites, air defence systems and facilities involved in the production of weapons.
The conflict has also raised concerns about the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Although fears have grown that the waterway could be blocked, US officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and taking steps to maintain safe passage for international vessels.
Beyond the military developments, the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict is becoming increasingly severe. In neighbouring Lebanon, Israeli strikes targeting militants backed by Iran have resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that nearly 800 people have been killed in the fighting, while approximately 850,000 residents have been displaced from their homes due to the escalating violence.
With missile exchanges continuing across multiple countries and additional military forces being deployed to the region, the situation throughout the Middle East remains highly volatile. Despite Trump’s assertion that Iran has been significantly weakened and is seeking negotiations, the conflict continues to evolve with no immediate resolution in sight.
