President Donald Trump has now declared the war in Iran is not over – despite saying just hours ago that the conflict in the Middle East was “very complete”.
The President made the assertion as he spoke to reporters outside of his golf resort in Doral, Florida.
He said: “We could call it a tremendous success right now… or we could go further, and we’re going to go further.
“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
The President again did not give a timeline as to how long he expects the conflict to rage on for.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps hit back at the US President’s assertion, saying: “We are the ones who will determine the end of the war.”
However, Mr Trump’s latest comments appear to contrast his words from earlier in the day, when he suggested the end of the war was in sight.
The President told CBS News: “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no Air Force… Wrapping up is all in my mind.”
The President made the assertion as he spoke to reporters outside of his golf resort in Doral, Florida
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The confusion surrounding the Trump administration’s messaging in the war was highlighted by a reporter, who asked him: “You said the war is ‘very complete’, but your Defence Secretary says ‘this is just the beginning’, so which is it?”
The President responded: “You could say both.”
On Monday night, the President delivered a stark warning to Islamic Republic on his Truth Social platform.
He wrote: “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.
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The President delivered a stark warning to Islamic Republic over its actions in the Strait of Hormuz
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REUTERS“Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again – death, fire, and fury will reign upon them.
“But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen. This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait.
“Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated.”
The President also admitted that Vice President JD Vance was “less enthusiastic” than he was about US military action in the Middle East.
The President admitted that Vice President JD Vance was ‘less enthusiastic’ about the war
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He told reporters: “We get along very well on this. He was, I would say, philosophically a little bit different than me.
“I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going, but he was quite enthusiastic.”
Elsewhere, Russian President Vladmir Putin has offered his “unwavering support” to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
He said that the new Ayatollah will carry on his late father’s legacy “with honour” and “unite” the Islamic Republic.
Vladmir Putin has offered his ‘unwavering support’ to Iran’s new Supreme Leader
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Discussing the events – which Moscow has not been directly involved in thus far – Mr Putin said: “Today, as Iran is opposing an armed aggression, your work in this high post will certainly require immense courage and selflessness.
“I am confident that you will continue your father’s work with honour and consolidate the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.
“On my part, I want to confirm our unwavering support of Tehran and our solidarity with our Iranian friends.”
The Russian leader’s comments come after Mr Trump vowed that any new leader appointed without his approval would “not last long”.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ayatollah’s son, was appointed as the next Supreme Leader by the country’s so-called “Assembly of Experts” | GETTYThe President has already confirmed he is “not happy” with Tehran appointing Mr Khamenei to lead the country.
Speculation has swirled in recent days that the new Supreme Leader could be unconscious or injured following an alleged assassination attempt.
The rumours intensified after he did not attend his own so-called “allegiance ceremony”, with Islamic Republic officials wheeling in a cardboard cutout in his place.
However, neither the US or Israel have backed up the claims the new leader had suffered an attempt on his life.
