Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a significant statement regarding Iran, declaring his intention to launch an attack on Iran before shifting attention to Cuba, while expressing a desire to play a direct role in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump announced at the White House that he intends to complete military operations in Iran first, suggesting it is only a matter of time before the focus returns to Cuba. He claimed that the Iranian government is reaching out to the U.S. for a deal amidst the ongoing attacks and praised the military for dismantling Iran's missile and drone capabilities. Additionally, Trump asserted that the Iranian air force and navy have been destroyed, although he did not provide evidence for these claims.
The President also addressed the upcoming election of Iran's new Supreme Leader, aiming to involve himself directly in the selection process. He likened this to his actions in Venezuela, where he ordered the arrest of Nicol¡s Maduro and appointed Delcy Rodrguez as interim president, a move he credited with stabilizing the country. The U.S. is now reportedly importing oil from Venezuela, refining it domestically, and sending revenue back to Venezuela. Trump rejected the candidacy of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, arguing that his leadership would continue existing policies and escalate conflicts.
As the conflict enters its seventh day, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage of an airstrike on an Iranian drone carrier, stating that U.S. forces are committed to sinking all Iranian vessels. An Iranian drone carrier, comparable in size to a World War II aircraft carrier, was attacked and set ablaze, though further details were not provided.
Lieutenant General Ayal Samir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), commented that Israel and the U.S. have strategically encircled Iran, weakening it significantly. For the past six days, Israel has conducted relentless attacks on Iran, and the operation is moving into its next phase aimed at toppling the government and eliminating Iran's military capabilities.
Regarding Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Samir mentioned that Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict was a strategic misstep, prompting Israel to launch a fierce offensive both on the front lines and deep within Lebanese territory.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz disclosed that Israel had planned to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei last November, intending to execute the operation six months later. However, after consultations with the U.S., the plan was expedited to January due to widespread protests in Iran and concerns over potential attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests in the Middle East.