U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is “very close” to achieving the goals of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz should be protected and monitored. 

The 22-day joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran continues, with the stated primary objectives of neutralizing Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and preventing its nuclear program from becoming a functional threat.

“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He emphasized that the unstated goals are to render Iran's missile capabilities inoperable, including launchers and supporting infrastructure. Additionally, he noted that the objectives include dismantling Iran's defense industrial base and neutralizing its naval and air forces, as well as its anti-aircraft capabilities.

“Never allowing Iran to get even close to nuclear capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place,” he added.

Trump emphasized that one of the objectives Washington closes is to protect, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.

U.S. to Help Allies, But Won't Patrol Hormuz Strait

The Hormuz Strait will require “to be guarded and policed" to ensure its safe and secure passage for all nations that rely on it.

“The United States does not! If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them," he added.

Trump Rejects Ceasefire, Says Iran 'Literally Obliterated'

Trump characterized the military campaign earlier as highly successful, asserting that the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials have left the country without a centralized leadership.

He rejected the ceasefire, saying, "You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side."

Iran's Khamenei Says U.S.- Israel Campaign 'Miscalculation’

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian Supreme Leader, issued a message yesterday, stating that Iran has dealt a "confusing blow" to the U.S. and Israel and calling the campaign a "gross miscalculation."

He highlighted that operations against Iran were carried out under the "illusion" that killing top leaders—including his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—would lead to the government's collapse.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected reports that Iran had requested a ceasefire, instead demanding a "complete, comprehensive, and lasting end to the war."