‘It’s a waste of time. They’ve lost everything’
United States President Donald Trump in a video address on February 28. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
President Donald Trump said Thursday it would be a “waste of time” currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister’s warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.
“It’s a waste of time. They’ve lost everything. They’ve lost their navy. They’ve lost everything they can lose,” he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a “wasted comment.”
Trump also indicated he is keen to see Iran’s leadership structure removed and that “we want to go in and clean out everything” quickly.
“We don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period,” he said. He added that he had ideas for a new leader but declined to name anyone.
Trump said earlier he would “have to be involved” in the appointment of Iran’s next leader after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei when the conflict began on Saturday. He rejected the possibility that Khamenei’s son Mojtaba could succeed his slain father, dismissing him as a “lightweight”.
Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran on Friday after Israel said it was hitting “regime infrastructure” in a “new phase” of the war it launched with the US against Iran.
Read: Middle East war spreads to Lebanon, Iraq as Israel attacks Tehran
The conflict, now in its seventh day, has seen Iran target Israel, the Gulf states, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The violence has also spread to the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine sank an Iranian naval ship off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran on Friday after Israel said it was targeting “regime infrastructure” in a “new phase” of its war against Iran, which it is fighting alongside the United States. The conflict, now in its seventh day, continues to escalate with regional repercussions, as Qatar reported intercepting a drone targeting a U.S. base, and Lebanon’s death toll from Israeli strikes rose to 123.
US-Israeli escalation
On Friday morning, Iranian media reported heavy strikes in Tehran shortly after Israel’s announcement that it was targeting Iran’s “regime infrastructure.” Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, warned that the U.S.-Israeli campaign had entered the next phase and would “further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities.” Zamir also hinted at “additional surprises” to come, but declined to disclose further details. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that “firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles toward Tel Aviv after an earlier explosion in central Israel caused a fire at a residential building. AFP journalists reported hearing simultaneous explosions in Tel Aviv, while rocket trails lit up the sky in Netanya, further north.
Trump backs Kurds
In the midst of the escalating conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraq, encouraging them to intensify their attacks against Iran. Speaking to Reuters, Trump stated, “I think it’s wonderful that they want to do that, I’d be all for it.” These militias, based along the Iran-Iraq border in Iraqi Kurdistan, have been in consultations with the U.S. on launching attacks on Iran’s western security forces.
Security sources reported two Iranian drone strikes on an opposition camp in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday, underscoring the rising violence. Iranian Kurdish forces have been preparing for such operations to weaken Iran’s military while U.S. and Israeli airstrikes target Iranian installations.
Iran’s future leadership
Trump also suggested the U.S. should play a role in determining Iran’s next leader following the recent assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We’re going to have to choose that person along with Iran. We’re going to have to choose that person,” Trump said, rejecting the possibility that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, would take over, dismissing him as a “lightweight.”
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to clarify that, despite Trump’s comments, there were no changes in the US military’s objectives in Iran. “There’s no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we’re trying to achieve,” Hegseth said.
Read more: US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike, sources say
Azerbaijan prepares retaliation
Azerbaijan has vowed to retaliate after Iranian drones crossed its border and injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attacks as an “unprovoked act of terror and aggression” and vowed to take action.
Hezbollah responds
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, launched missiles in retaliation for the war. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed at least 123 people, with thousands of people fleeing southern Beirut after Israeli warnings. Displaced families are seeking shelter on a beach, facing dire conditions.
Strikes across region
The conflict continues to spread. U.S. forces sank an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka, while Azerbaijan threatened retaliation after a drone attack on an airport. Iran also targeted Gulf countries, including Qatar, which successfully intercepted a drone targeting a U.S. base in Al-Udeid. Bahrain reported an attack on a hotel and residential buildings, while Saudi Arabia intercepted three ballistic missiles.
Casualties mount in Iran, Lebanon
In Iran, the civilian toll is rising, with at least 1,230 reported dead, including 175 schoolchildren killed in an attack in Minab. In Lebanon, 77 have died. Thousands have fled southern Beirut, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Prolonged conflict preparation
US officials, including Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, confirmed that strikes from Iran have significantly diminished, with ballistic missile attacks decreasing by 90% and drone attacks down by 83%. However, Pentagon officials reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing campaign, emphasising the availability of sufficient munitions for a sustained effort.
Trump’s on Iran’s leadership
Trump has expressed his desire to influence the appointment of Iran’s next leader, rejecting Khamenei’s son as a viable candidate and calling for a leader who will bring “harmony and peace” to Iran. “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” Trump stated. He emphasised that, unless a suitable leader emerged, the U.S. would continue its campaign.
Global disruptions
The conflict has disrupted global markets, energy supplies, and travel. While oil prices have surged, global logistics and air transport have been heavily affected. Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint, but the U.S. has signalled it may escort ships through the area if necessary.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected calls for a ceasefire and stated there was no reason to negotiate with the U.S. Despite the challenges, Iranian forces continue to retaliate against Israel and its allies. As the war escalates, the region braces for further conflict and its devastating global implications.
