Trump Says "The War Is Almost Over...Well Ahead of Schedule"

The Financial News reported that Donald Trump, who has been at war with Iran for about ten days, suggested the conflict could end soon. On the same day, the US Secretary of State claimed that the US is achieving its objectives with overwhelming force.
On the 9th (local time), Trump said in a phone interview with Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) that the war with Iran is "well ahead of schedule" and added, "The war seems almost over." Referring to Iran’s military, he said, "They have no navy, no communications, and no air force," stressing that the situation is moving "far" ahead of the originally expected four to five weeks.
Trump also commented on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked, saying that ships are currently passing through and that he is "considering taking control of it." He warned, "They have fired everything they had," adding, "They would be wise not to try any clever moves. Otherwise, that country will be finished."
After losing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States of America (US)–Israel strike on the 28th of last month, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass. At the same time, it launched large-scale retaliatory missile attacks targeting US assets in neighboring Middle Eastern countries.
Trump said he had "no message at all" for Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Khamenei, who was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader on the 8th.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also backed the president on the day of Trump’s interview. In a speech at the United States Department of State (DOS) headquarters in Washington, D.C., he criticized Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its attacks on neighboring countries, saying, "They are trying to hold the world hostage and are attacking their neighbors." Rubio said that destroying Iran’s terrorist capabilities is the goal of the current US operation and argued, "Every day, we are achieving our objectives with overwhelming force and precision."

pjw@fnnews.com Park Jong-won Reporter