On Monday, President Donald Trump declared that Iran's military capacity has been critically weakened, while negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict are reportedly "going very well." His comments coincide with his dismissal of the latest peace proposal from Tehran.
“They have no navy, no air force, no anti-aircraft equipment, no radar—they’ve got nothing. They don’t even have leaders anymore; they’ve suddenly vanished,” Trump stated in a video released on Monday.
Trump emphasized, “I cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon. They're going to face issues like never before. And everything is going well.”
The Aftermath of Operation Epic Fury
These comments come in the wake of the armed conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, with Operation Epic Fury, a joint offensive by the U.S. and Israel that obliterated Iran's nuclear, military, and missile installations. This operation resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the same day.
Israel confirmed Khamenei's death during the initial strikes, and the Iranian populace celebrated the Ayatollah's downfall the following day.
According to U.S. military data, the campaign demolished over 12,300 sites in Iran, executed more than 13,000 combat flights, and damaged or destroyed over 155 Iranian military vessels.
High-Level Casualties and Demands for Unconditional Surrender
Additionally, 49 senior officials and military leaders were eliminated in the early stages, including the Defense Minister, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Chief of Staff.
From the outset, Trump demanded Iran's unconditional surrender and vowed to continue attacks until achieving his objectives.
A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, as Trump shifted from threats to dialogue with Iran, though negotiations remain at a standstill.
Trump Rejects Iran's New 14-Point Peace Plan
This Monday, Trump dismissed the new 14-point peace plan presented by Iran via the Pakistani mediator. The proposal called for ending the war within 30 days, withdrawing U.S. forces from the region, lifting sanctions, war reparations, and the right to enrich uranium.
Trump had previously warned that if Iran does not sign an agreement, the entire country would face destruction. He labeled an earlier ten-point proposal as "not serious" because Iran "has not paid a sufficient price for its actions over the past 47 years."
On the Iranian side, the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei—Ali's son, appointed successor on March 9—urged on Saturday for an economic and cultural struggle against Iran's adversaries, challenging Washington to choose between a "bad deal" or an "impossible military operation."
Khamenei has not been seen in public since his appointment, and is presumed injured, communicating only through written messages.
Key Questions on Iran-U.S. Conflict and Peace Negotiations
What was the impact of Operation Epic Fury on Iran?
Operation Epic Fury led to the destruction of over 12,300 sites in Iran, more than 13,000 combat flights, and damage or destruction of over 155 Iranian military vessels. It also resulted in significant leadership casualties, including the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Why did President Trump reject Iran's 14-point peace plan?
President Trump rejected the 14-point plan because he deemed it inadequate, stating that Iran has not sufficiently paid for its past actions and warning that the entire country would face destruction if an agreement is not reached.