President Trump on Thursday called on Iranian diplomats to work with the U.S. to form a new government in Tehran and said the U.S. military is moving “far ahead of schedule” in the war against Iran.
“We urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and to help us shape a new and better Iran,” Mr. Trump said at a White House event.
The president said the United States military, “together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before.”
Mr. Trump said the military is destroying Iran’s missile and drone capability “by the hour,” has sunk 24 Iranian ships and destroyed its anti-aircraft missiles and wiped out 60% of Iran’s missile launchers. He described Iran’s military capabilities as “totally demolished.”
“Other than that, they are doing quite well,” Mr. Trump joked.
The president added that Iran has reached out in hopes of reaching a deal to end the war.
“They’re calling, they’re saying, ‘How do we make a deal?” Mr. Trump said. “I said, ‘You’re being a little bit late’ and we want to fight now more than they do.”
He did not say who from the Iranian side has been in contact and whether there are serious discussions about a potential ceasefire.
Although Mr. Trump did not provide specifics on the destruction in Iran, U.S. Central Command says more than 2,000 targets were struck inside Iran since the war began four days ago. The Israel Defense Forces said its planes have dropped more than 4,000 munitions on Iran since Saturday.
