PresidentĀ Donald TrumpĀ has publicly criticized the transition of power in Tehran, specifically questioning the selection ofĀ Mojtaba KhameneiĀ as the new supreme leader. This leadership change follows the death of his father,Ā Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in an airstrike at the onset ofĀ Operation Epic Fury. Trump expressed deep skepticism regarding the younger Khamenei’s ability to “live in peace”
and noted that the jointĀ U.S.-Israeli military campaign has already achieved results that significantly surpass initial strategic expectations. The President heightened regional tensions by issuing a stark ultimatum viaĀ Truth Social.Ā TrumpĀ warned that theĀ IranianĀ regime would face retaliation “twenty times harder” should they attempt to obstruct the flow of oil through theĀ Strait of Hormuz. He further emphasized that theĀ United States possesses the capability to neutralize critical, “easily destroyable targets” that would fundamentally prevent the nation from ever being built back. While the President stated he does not desire such a catastrophic outcome, he maintained that the current military posture is a necessary response to ongoing threats. According toĀ U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Ā and Secretary of WarĀ Pete Hegseth, the military campaign has been characterized by “overwhelming force.” SinceĀ Operation Epic FuryĀ launched on February 28, forces have struck overĀ 7,000 targets, includingĀ IRGCĀ headquarters, ballistic missile sites, and naval facilities. Hegseth reported thatĀ Iranās air defensesĀ have been effectively “flattened” and its defense industrial base systematically dismantled. The operation continues to target the production lines for missiles and drones, ensuring thatĀ IranāsĀ military capabilities remain in a state of continuous degradation.
