Trump says US is “winning big in Iran” as strikes continue for fifth night

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 16 that the United States was “winning big in Iran,” as the two sides continued exchanging strikes amid escalating regional hostilities.

In a 25-minute speech that Trump had promoted in advance, the president began by repeating familiar claims about his administration’s economic achievements, including what he described as an unprecedentedly strong economy, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The speech made only limited reference to Iran, despite coming days after Trump abandoned a ceasefire agreement announced last month and resumed ordering U.S. military strikes in an effort to loosen Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway has been largely closed to commercial shipping since the war began on February 28, contributing to a sharp rise in global energy costs.

The U.S. president said the United States had “won in Venezuela,” which was now cooperating with Washington to produce millions of barrels of oil, and was “likewise winning big in Iran.”

“We are … winning big in Iran, and you will see the fruits of that labor very, very shortly,” he said, repeating earlier claims that the conflict was approaching victory.

Hours later, U.S. Central Command announced the start of a new wave of strikes against Iran. The attacks have continued for a fifth consecutive night, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in the Middle East.

By Sabina Mammadli