Trump says the US destroyed Iran's military but the fight goes on until Tehran promises no nukes

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump issued a forceful declaration regarding the conflict in the Middle East on Thursday, April 30, stating that the United States has already "won" the war against Iran.

Despite describing the outcome as a decisive military success following the joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, the president indicated that negotiations remain incomplete.

"We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin," Trump told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren in an interview.

He added that while US forces have "destroyed everything," and his priority is securing binding guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, warning that Tehran would "use the nuclear weapon if they had it."

President demands absolute nuclear guarantees

The president’s position reflects a push for a comprehensive outcome on Iran’s nuclear program. He stated that even if the United States withdrew immediately, it could take Iran 20 years to rebuild its infrastructure, if at all.

However, Trump said the current level of damage is "actually not good enough" without a new agreement to replace the deal he exited during his first term.

This stance was reinforced on Wednesday when Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had offered to resume shipping in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade on its ports.

By declining the proposal, the administration signaled that the blockade remains central to its negotiating strategy.

Global energy markets face massive strain

The continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply, has driven volatility in energy markets. On Thursday morning, Brent crude rose to $126 per barrel, its highest level since 2022.

Prices later eased to around $108 per barrel by Friday morning, but the broader impact has continued to affect consumers.

In the United States, average gas prices reached $4.39 per gallon on Friday morning. The administration has characterized these increases as temporary, linked to ongoing negotiations.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said energy costs are expected to "plummet once again" once shipping activity in the Strait stabilizes following Operation Epic Fury.

White House disputes domestic gas assessment

Despite the administration’s outlook, differing views have emerged within the government. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently said gas prices may not fall below $3 per gallon until next year.

President Trump rejected that assessment, calling it "totally wrong."

The president has maintained that current economic disruptions are temporary and tied to the pressure being applied on Tehran.

As fuel prices remain elevated, the administration continues to focus on the outcome of the military campaign and efforts to secure an agreement preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.