US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 19) defended the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, saying he had taken action against Iran where previous presidents had hesitated.
“I had to do something that no other president has had the courage to do,” Trump said, calling the offensive an unprecedented show of leadership. He added that while others considered similar moves, they ultimately held back.
Claiming total military dominance
Trump said Iran’s military capabilities had been effectively dismantled and said its navy, air force and leadership were “gone”.
“We fly where we want, nobody even shoots at us. We are significantly ahead of schedule,” he said, expressing confidence in the speed and effectiveness of the operation.
His remarks echo earlier claims that the campaign has crippled Iran’s military infrastructure, including key naval assets and air defense systems.
“A safer world” after the Iran campaign
Trump claimed that the outcome of the operation would greatly improve global security.
“When this excursion in Iran is completed, we will have a much safer world,” he said, calling Iran a “serious threat” to the Middle East and global stability.
A large-scale operation, with no clear timeline
The White House described Operation Epic Fury as a major military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and defense capabilities after failed diplomatic efforts.
Despite claims of rapid progress, officials said there was no firm timetable for completing the operation, with objectives tied to broader strategic outcomes.
The conflict, now at an advanced stage, has seen hundreds of attacks targeting Iranian military infrastructure, even as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
