White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested America’s military could be “very close” to reaching its goals in Iran, but said President Donald Trump would “unleash hell,” if necessary.
Leavitt called America’s military efforts in Iran successful at a press conference on March 25, citing key achievements and signaling that the end may be in sight. Amid continuing negotiations with Iran, she said President Donald Trump is keeping his options open.
“We are very close to meeting the core objectives of Operation Epic Fury as the military mission continues unabated,” Leavitt said. “Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”
Leavitt highlighted 9,000 U.S. strikes, a 90% decrease in Iranian missile and drone attacks, and America’s destruction of 140 Iranian naval vessels, which The Dallas Express previously reported. She called this “the largest elimination of a navy on the face of the planet in a three-week period, since World War II.”
“Just over three weeks in, it’s abundantly clear that Operation Epic Fury has been a resounding military triumph,” Leavitt said. “Our military efforts grow more successful with each passing day, steadily degrading Iran’s ability to terrorize merchant ships.”
American forces also dropped “several 5,000-pound bombs” on an underground Iranian facility, used for storing equipment like anti-ship missile launchers used to control the Strait of Hormuz, according to Leavitt.
This Strait of Hormuz dictates the world’s oil supply – spiking oil and gas prices amid the conflict, as The Dallas Express reported. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes through the channel, and Iran’s remaining forces are still fighting for its control.
Leavitt also said that the American military had been reducing Iran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon.
“The Iranian regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened,” she explained. “That’s why you’re beginning to see the regime look for an exit ramp. They recognize they are being crushed.”
After “productive” talks with Iran, Trump announced on March 23 that he postponed strikes on the nation’s power grid, as The Dallas Express reported at the time.
Leavitt said American officials have been holding positive conversations with Iranian leaders for “the last three days.”
“The remaining elements of the Iranian regime have another opportunity to cooperate with President Trump, permanently abandon nuclear ambitions, and cease actively threatening America and our allies,” Leavitt said.
“The President’s preference is always peace. There does not need to be any more death and destruction,” she added.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt said.
