President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Thursday, declaring the country has “no cards” to play as a senior U.S. delegation prepares for direct negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Pakistan.
Trump’s comments on his TRUTH Social platform come as Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner prepare to meet with Iranian officials. The president has repeatedly asserted that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded in recent months.
Trump’s Military Assessment
“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the World by using International Waterways,” Trump wrote. He claimed Iran’s navy, air force, and anti-aircraft systems have been destroyed, along with much of its missile and drone infrastructure.
Trump also stated that Iran’s ability to threaten global shipping depends primarily on sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. “All 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea,” he wrote, adding that the U.S. is beginning operations to clear the strategic waterway.
Maritime Trade and Oil Operations
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, making threats to the waterway a concern for multiple nations. Trump listed China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany as countries benefiting from U.S. clearing operations in the region.
Trump announced that multiple large tankers are heading to the United States to load oil. The clearing operations represent an effort to restore stability to one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes.
Domestic Political Response
Senator John Fetterman defended Trump’s approach to Iran during a Thursday Fox News appearance, stating that U.S. media outlets have been “carrying water for Iran.” Fetterman said coverage of U.S. military operations has overlooked Iran’s documented support for terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.
America is the force of good in the world, and holding Iran accountable, what they’ve done, is important,” Fetterman said. His comments came weeks after he engaged in a heated exchange with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins over a U.S. military strike in Iran.
Previous Military Action
A February 28 Tomahawk missile strike targeted a location in Minab, southeastern Iran, with Iranian reports claiming at least 175 deaths, mostly children. A preliminary U.S. military investigation determined the strike resulted from faulty targeting intelligence based on outdated information from the Defense Intelligence Agency.
The intended target was reportedly an adjacent Iranian military base. The incident raised questions about intelligence accuracy in ongoing military operations in the region.
This story has been updated. CNN’s National Security team contributed to this report.
