Trump claims Iran collapse as US Navy moves to clear ‘deadly’ Hormuz sea mines

Trump torches ‘fake news’ TDS claims Iran military is ‘gone’ amid oil rush to US
After sinking 28 Iranian mine-laying boats, the US Navy starts the 'courageous' effort to reopen the strait for global trade (Getty Images)
After sinking 28 Iranian mine-laying boats, the US Navy starts the 'courageous' effort to reopen the strait for global trade (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J. Trump on Saturday, April 11, declared that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded following 38 days of conflict, pushing back against reports suggesting Tehran retained operational strength.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said Iran’s key defense systems and military infrastructure have been rendered ineffective.

The President stated that Iran’s naval and air assets have been neutralized and that air defense and radar systems are no longer operational.

He also referenced the status of senior Iranian leadership, saying longtime leaders were “no longer with us,” though US officials have not independently confirmed details regarding leadership changes.



No formal Pentagon assessment has been released publicly detailing the full scope of damage to Iranian forces.

Sea mine ‘Dropper Boats’ at bottom of sea

Trump acknowledged that maritime risks remain in the Strait of Hormuz, despite reported losses to Iran’s naval fleet. He said vessels previously used to deploy sea mines have been destroyed, but indicated that mines already placed in the water continue to pose a threat to shipping.

TEESSIDE, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: The ‘Tavistock Square’ crude oil tanker, assisted by tugs, prepares to leave the ConocoPhillips oil terminal after loading on March 09, 2026 in Teesside, England. Global oil prices have risen to their highest levels since 2022 following an escalation of the US-Israel war with Iran. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged past the $100 psychological threshold. Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) prices have also seen a 50% increase since the US and Israel attacked Iran. The war has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz which sees over a fifth of the global oil and LNG trade pass through narrow gulf. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
With all 28 specialized mine-dropper vessels destroyed, the US Navy has taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz as a 'favor' to the world (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

US officials have confirmed increased naval activity in the region, including efforts to secure commercial shipping lanes.

The President said the United States is now leading operations to clear the Strait, citing its importance to global trade flows.

He also noted that several countries reliant on energy shipments through the Strait, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany would benefit from restored access. Defense officials have not disclosed operational timelines for full clearance of the waterway.

Global oil fleets race to American ports

Trump also pointed to shifts in global energy movement following the disruption of Iranian supply routes. He said oil tankers are redirecting toward the United States, reflecting changes in sourcing patterns as the conflict impacts Middle Eastern exports.

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
In a massive economic surrender, global oil fleets are racing toward the United States to secure energy supplies following the collapse of the Iranian regime (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

The President highlighted US energy production capacity, stating that domestic supply is positioned to meet increased international demand.

Energy analysts have observed volatility in global oil markets since the start of the conflict, though long-term supply adjustments remain under evaluation.

No official data has been released confirming the scale of tanker redirection or changes in global shipping routes, but market indicators suggest ongoing adjustments in response to regional instability.

Trump slams ‘Fake News’ and media TDS

In his statement, Trump also criticized media coverage of the conflict, arguing that reports have mischaracterized the outcome of US operations. He said claims that Iran retains momentum are not supported by developments on the ground. 

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing an executive order on expanding access to IVF at his Mar-a-Lago resort on February 18, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Later today Fox News will air a joint interview between President Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Trump has torched the media's credibility, arguing that their 'derangement' prevents them from reporting on the 'annihilation' of Tehran's defense-industrial base (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The White House has maintained that military objectives have been achieved, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously stating that key targets tied to Iran’s defense capabilities were successfully neutralized.

While independent verification of battlefield outcomes remains limited, the administration continues to present the campaign as a strategic success. 

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Reporters from Politico, MS NOW, and CNN remained barred from the White House on Thursday despite a judge's order restoring their access
1 hour ago
President Trump made the accusations in two Truth Social posts after a report emerged about plans to add his name to Ford's Theatre
1 hour ago
Judge Timothy Kelly found the outlets were likely denied due process after their White House press credentials were revoked without prior notice
9 hours ago
Iman Dashti cited his family's experiences under Iran's government and questioned Abdul El-Sayed over his response to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death
10 hours ago
The restrictions follow a Supreme Court ruling and two executive orders shifting the birth tourism crackdown to federal agencies
11 hours ago
A 2024 poll showed Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump 47%-44% in Iowa, but Trump won the state by 13 points with 56% of the vote
11 hours ago
Experts say Trump’s administration has strengthened the US position against China through military, economic and tech measures ahead of the Xi summit
11 hours ago
First lady Melania Trump recalled life in socialist Yugoslavia and acknowledged that people had fewer freedoms than they do in the US
12 hours ago
Angela Paxton told a group of conservative women that, when voting, they should consider that 'the party comes with the person'
12 hours ago
Earlier, Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, prompting lawsuits over First Amendment rights and disrupting TV pool coverage
13 hours ago