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US President Donald Trump declared this week that the US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the past six weeks constitute a “total and complete victory” for the United States. The declaration came just hours after a two-week ceasefire was reached.
During the war, the stated objectives of Trump and his administration have changed over time. At the beginning of the operation, called “Epic Fury,” he stated that the goal was to ensure that Iran never obtained nuclear weapons, destroy its naval fleet, and create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow the government.
Although Trump claims that these objectives have been achieved, the conflict is currently only on hold. Experts have assessed what has been concretely achieved towards each of these goals.
1. Rocket industry
At the beginning of the war, Trump declared that the US would destroy Iran's missile program and related infrastructure.
US officials claim that the program has been “functionally destroyed,” including existing launchers, factories and stockpiles. They say Iran has lost the ability to effectively coordinate and produce missiles.
However, experts point out that Iran continues to launch missiles and still has production capacity. Although the attacks have been significantly reduced, they have not stopped completely. The Iranian missile industry, built up over decades, is considered difficult to completely eliminate.
2. Naval fleet
Trump initially declared that he would “annihilate” the Iranian navy. US officials claim that over 90% of the fleet has been destroyed, including most of its warships and naval assets.
However, experts question whether this constitutes a complete annihilation, as Iran continues to have the capacity to threaten maritime traffic, especially through missiles and drones, especially in the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Iran's regional allies
Trump had promised to stop Iran-linked groups from attacking American forces.
However, operations have focused mainly on targets inside Iran and not directly on these groups. Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue and risk undermining the ceasefire.
4. Nuclear program
Trump claimed that Iran's nuclear facilities have been completely destroyed and that the country will not be able to develop nuclear weapons.
However, the enriched uranium remains on Iranian territory and its removal is considered a very complex and dangerous operation. There is no clear confirmation on how this will be accomplished.
5. Regime change
Trump had openly expressed his desire for regime change in Iran and had called for the people to overthrow the government.
Although Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated early in the conflict, he was succeeded by his son. Experts say this represents a change in leadership, but not in the political system.
The regime remains functional and supported by key security structures, while the likelihood of an immediate change is considered low.
While the US has achieved notable military results, many of its strategic objectives remain unfulfilled. The situation remains tense and the current ceasefire is seen as temporary, with the risk of further escalation./ Adapted from "The Washington Post " by "Pamphlet ".
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