Donald Trump says US military operation in Iran ‘substantially ahead’ of schedule

 US President Donald Trump on Monday said the American military campaign in Iran is “substantially ahead” of schedule, asserting that initial objectives have been achieved far quicker than projected as operations continue for a third consecutive day.

Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed that early projections estimated four to five weeks to neutralise Iran’s military leadership, but said that objective was accomplished “in about an hour”. He added that the US retains the capability to continue operations for “far longer” than originally anticipated.

Trump described Iran as an “intolerable threat” if armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons, arguing that both the Middle East and the American people would be under direct risk. He said the mission’s goals include destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilating its naval strength, and preventing Tehran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons. He further accused Iran of arming and directing militant groups beyond its borders.

Citing stalled diplomatic efforts, Trump said negotiations had repeatedly collapsed, claiming agreements were reached and then withdrawn by Tehran.

US Central Command said overnight strikes involved B-1 bombers targeting locations “deep inside Iran” aimed at degrading Iranian ballistic missile capabilities.

Meanwhile, regional tensions continued to mount. A drone strike targeted a fuel storage facility in Abu Dhabi’s Musaffah industrial area, igniting a fire that officials said was quickly contained without injuries or operational disruption.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that at least 555 people have been killed across 131 cities in Iran since Saturday amid ongoing Israeli and US strikes.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington did not initiate the conflict but is determined to conclude it, declining to provide a definitive timeline for the duration of operations. [KNT]