WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed significant success and superiority in the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that the war can end whenever he chooses.
In an interview, Trump asserted that he holds full control over the situation, adding that the initial estimate for the conflict’s duration was 3 to 4 weeks, but U.S. forces have surpassed expectations. “Everything is in my hands. I can end the war whenever I want,” Trump stated, emphasizing that Iran has little left to target. “Now, practically, there is nothing left to strike in Iran, just some small things,” he added.
Trump said that the war in the Middle East would be over in the next two weeks because the situation is still under control and progress is being made. “This war is going very well. Everything is under control.”
Trump’s words are also echoed by his Press Secretary, Caroline Leot, who said that the original intention for the war was for it to last for four to six weeks, but the objectives are being met sooner than expected.
In the meantime, General Brad Cooper of the US Central Command, through a video message, said that there has been significant damage from the U.S. air and ground operations, but the exact number of casualties and the extent of the damage are still unknown.
UN Security Council condemns Iran’s attacks on neighbouring countries
Earlier, the United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution condemning Iran’s recent attacks on neighbouring countries. The resolution was backed by 13 votes in favour, with China and Russia abstaining. Pakistan supported the draft put forward by the Gulf countries.
The session condemned the Iranian attacks when Bahrain’s representative announced that 135 countries had co-sponsored the document which made history by achieving the highest number of co-sponsors for a UN resolution. The previous record for co-sponsors of a resolution reached 134 for an Ebola-related issue.
Asim Iftikhar from Pakistan, United Nations delegate Atif Iftikhar took the opportunity to again confirm Pakistan’s position which protects Iran’s territorial rights while denouncing American and Israeli military operations against Iranian targets. He detailed how Iranian assaults against the UAE resulted in the death of two Pakistani citizens, whom he identified as victims of Iranian military operations in the region.
Iftikhar explained that Pakistan continues to pursue peaceful solutions for all conflicts, while he declared that no nation possesses the authority to impose its will upon its neighbouring countries.
The representative of the UAE Abu Shahab requested that the Security Council should take immediate and powerful measures against Iranian attacks which he classified as serious dangers to global peace and security. He stated that Gulf states have shown both unity and tolerance while facing aggressive actions from their opponents.
