President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in an airstrike at the beginning of Operation Epic Fury. Trump questioned Mojtaba Khamenei’s ability to lead under mounting pressure, stating that he does not believe the new leader “can live in peace” given the current situation. He also emphasized what he described as the early success of U.S. and Israeli military operations, saying their progress has already gone “well beyond expectations.”
In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that Iran would face consequences “twenty times harder” if it attempted to interfere with oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies. He added that the United States has the ability to strike key targets that could severely damage Iran’s capacity to recover, although he stressed that he hopes such measures will not become necessary. Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28 by U.S. and Israeli forces, has involved large-scale strikes across Iran. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 5,000 targets were hit within the first 10 days, including dozens of Iranian naval vessels that were either damaged or destroyed. The campaign has focused on vital military infrastructure, including command centers, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, intelligence networks, air defense systems, missile sites, and naval assets.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the campaign as “highly successful,” stating that over 7,000 targets have now been struck. He said the strategy relies on overwhelming, precise force aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities. Hegseth added that Iran’s air defenses have been largely neutralized, while its missile and drone production facilities have been heavily damaged. As a result, attacks against U.S. forces have declined significantly. He also reported major losses to Iran’s naval fleet and infrastructure, though he acknowledged the country still retains limited strike capabilities despite the sustained pressure.
