Trump's Stance on Iran's Military Capabilities
On July 14, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump made a significant announcement regarding the United States' military strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor for global oil shipments. During a statement from the White House, Trump revealed that the U.S. is actively targeting Iranian military capabilities associated with the Strait, emphasizing that it aims to eliminate Tehran's offensive capabilities. He stated, "We are attacking Tehran's capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and destroying their offensive capabilities," while also asserting the need to recover costs for protecting nations that rely on shipping routes through this strategic passage.
Military Operations and Diplomatic Negotiations
In an interview with the Hugh Hewitt show, Trump elaborated that the U.S. military would conduct strong strikes against Iran on the nights of the 14th and 15th of July. He specifically mentioned the destruction of the underground site known as 'Pickaxe Mountain,' located near Natanz, which is believed to be a fortified nuclear facility potentially aiding Iran in developing nuclear weapons, shielded from aerial attacks. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that airstrikes against Iran commenced for the third consecutive night, directed by Trump, with a goal of inflicting significant losses on Iranian forces and diminishing their ability to target civilians and commercial vessels in the Strait.
Despite the escalation in military action, Trump characterized the renewed U.S. bombing campaign as merely a "military skirmish," denying that it signifies the onset of a prolonged conflict. He expressed confidence in the U.S. military's effectiveness, stating, "We have significantly reduced their capabilities, but they will fight for some time." Trump also downplayed the protracted nature of the military operations, reflecting on the historical context of prolonged conflicts, such as the Vietnam War.
While discussing the possibility of achieving a diplomatic resolution with Iran, Trump acknowledged the current lack of optimism, stating, "You have to find people willing to make something happen. We made a deal with them two days ago, and then they said they could not finalize it. We need to negotiate it further." He did, however, maintain that a potential agreement with Tehran remains possible amidst ongoing tensions.
As reported by asharq.com.
