Iran fires back after Trump claims US has ‘totally destroyed’ Tehran’s military

WASHINGTON, DC: Tensions between the United States and Iran remained high on Saturday, June 6, after Iran pushed back against President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran's military had been “totally destroyed” during three months of conflict in the region.

The exchange came as both countries continued trading military actions and statements, with fresh reports of missile interceptions, drone shootdowns and warnings from officials on both sides.

In a preview clip from an NBC interview, Trump spoke confidently about the state of Iran’s military capabilities and suggested the US had gained the upper hand in the conflict.

Donald Trump claims Iran’s military has been ‘totally destroyed’

Speaking about the ongoing conflict, Trump compared the current situation to previous wars and argued that his administration had moved quickly.

“I’m moving very fast, I’m into three months,” Trump said.

“Vietnam lasted 19 years, I’m into my third month. We have totally destroyed their military.”

The president also claimed he knew “exactly” how many missiles Iran still possessed but declined to reveal any number.

The comments came amid a fragile ceasefire environment that has repeatedly been tested by military activity from both sides.

Trump's remarks appeared intended to highlight what he viewed as American military success during the conflict.

Iran issues warning after Trump’s remarks

Iran’s foreign ministry hit back on Saturday, warning that the United States would bear responsibility for any fallout resulting from what it described as American actions during the conflict.

According to the statement, Tehran warned that the US would be responsible for any consequences arising from its “illegal actions” in the region.

The response came shortly after Trump's interview comments surfaced publicly. 

The exchange reflected the continuing war of words between Washington and Tehran, even as military developments unfolded across the Gulf.

Missile launches and military interceptions add to tensions

The verbal sparring came against the backdrop of fresh military activity.

The US military said it intercepted six Iranian ballistic missiles that had been launched toward Gulf allies.

According to officials, a seventh missile failed to reach its intended target.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps later confirmed that it had targeted a US airbase in Kuwait as well as the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, according to Iranian state media reports.

Those developments marked another tense chapter in the ongoing confrontation, with both sides continuing to highlight their own military actions.

The latest missile activity followed earlier reports of aerial threats in the region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

US says more Iranian drones were shot down over Strait of Hormuz

Later on Saturday, US Central Command said American forces had intercepted two additional Iranian attack drones.

In a post on X, Centcom said the drones had posed a threat to international maritime traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

The military statement said, “Earlier today, US forces in the Middle East shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones that threatened international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The statement added, “American forces remain postured and ready to continue defending against Iranian aggression.”

The latest interceptions came just one day after US forces reportedly shot down four Iranian attack drones headed toward the same area.

According to US Central Command, those drones had “posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.”