US forces obliterated Iran, air force and navy gone: Donald Trump

18-Mar-2026

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US President Donald Trump said on March 16 that the United States’ military campaign against Iran is continuing “in full force,” claiming that U.S. forces have struck more than 7,000 targets across the country since the start of the war.

Speaking ahead of a lunch event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Trump said the strikes have largely targeted commercial and military facilities. 

He added that U.S. forces carried out attacks on three missile and drone manufacturing sites earlier in the day.

Trump also said U.S. operations near the Strait of Hormuz had destroyed 30 mine-laying ships. However, he noted that it was still unclear whether any naval mines had been deployed in the key shipping route.

He urged other countries to support Washington’s military efforts, saying allies should “come and help” in the ongoing conflict. 

The campaign is part of the broader confrontation between the United States and Iran, which has heightened tensions across the Middle East and raised concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.