Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 16: US President Donald Trump defended recent American military operations involving Iran, asserting that Tehran’s military infrastructure had suffered major damage following US action in the region.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Anchorage, Alaska, Trump described the operation as a “total military victory,” claiming that the United States had significantly weakened Iran’s naval and air power while also targeting missile production capabilities.
Trump said the decision to support a ceasefire came after requests from several countries, including Pakistan, even though he personally had reservations about halting operations.
“We really did the cease-fire at the request of other nations. I wouldn’t have really been in favour of it…” Trump said during the interaction.
Although he did not explain Pakistan’s exact role in the diplomatic effort, his remarks came amid broader discussions on Iran, China, Taiwan and global security concerns.
At the same time, Trump signalled that diplomatic engagement with global powers remained active. Referring to recent conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said both sides agreed that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
“He feels strongly they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said while speaking about Xi.
Trump further claimed that the strategic Strait of Hormuz was effectively under US control after recent military operations in the area. Referring to Iranian-linked shipping activity, he stated that commercial movement through the route had sharply declined over the past two and a half weeks.
He also indicated that future military action against Iran remained an option if necessary.
“I can say this with very, very strong conviction, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, not going to happen,” Trump said.
The US President additionally revealed that discussions with China extended beyond Iran and included topics such as artificial intelligence cooperation, trade relations, denuclearisation and tensions surrounding Taiwan.
On the Taiwan issue, Trump said Xi strongly opposed any move towards Taiwanese independence and cautioned against escalation in the region. Trump added that he had made “no commitment either way” regarding future US policy on Taiwan.