Washington: President Donald Trump declared that the United States had achieved victory in its conflict with Iran, announcing that the war was over within the first hour. However, he acknowledged that the mission was not yet complete as intense fighting continues in the Middle East.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump reported that the US military succeeded in destroying 58 Iranian warships and inflicted severe damage on Iranian personnel, significantly reducing Iran's weapons capabilities. Despite these victories, Trump emphasized that the US mission was ongoing, highlighting the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and suggesting the possibility of seizing control of the strait.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Red Crescent has released footage showing rescue workers and sniffer dogs searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings destroyed by recent airstrikes in Tehran. The rescue efforts are proceeding cautiously due to the hazards posed by damaged electrical wires and shattered glass. Iranian media identified the targeted building as the Sepah Bank, struck in the early hours of the previous day. Iran also shared images from Kerman province, where an airport was attacked earlier this week. The conflict has now reached its 13th day, with official Iranian casualty figures reporting around 1,400 deaths. However, human rights groups estimate the toll to be between 1,800 and 3,900.
The situation in Lebanon is also escalating, with the southern outskirts of Beirut facing heavy attacks from Israel. Explosions were reported this morning as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified. Israel's earlier strikes on central Beirut targeted a residential building and a luxury hotel, resulting in at least five deaths. Israel claimed the victims were members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Iran stated that four of its diplomats were among the casualties.
In the coastal city of Ramlet al-Bayda, Lebanon, Israel launched a pre-dawn attack, resulting in at least eight deaths and significant property damage. Since the beginning of Israel's offensive against Lebanon on March 2, Lebanese authorities report over 600 deaths and the displacement of 800,000 people.
Iran continues to retaliate against Israel with missile strikes, with sirens sounding across Jerusalem early this morning as explosions were heard. Iranian attacks have resulted in 12 Israeli deaths, and there have been casualties in other Gulf countries, affecting military bases, the US embassy, hotels, airports, and oil infrastructure. Iranian authorities have warned the global community to brace for oil prices potentially surging to $200 per barrel if the US and Israel do not halt their attacks on Iran.