Trump Claims Iran’s Military ‘Crippled’, Says Tehran Has ‘No Cards’ Left in Talks

Washington, April 2026 : US President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened, claiming that Tehran is now in a significantly diminished position in ongoing negotiations with Washington.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump pointed to Iran’s longstanding hostile rhetoric toward the United States and its allies, recalling repeated slogans such as “death to America” and “death to Israel.” He questioned why such statements had not drawn stronger global condemnation, arguing that they reflect a deeply adversarial stance that has persisted for years.

The US President claimed that recent American military actions have dramatically shifted the strategic balance in the region. According to Trump, Iran’s armed forces have been “pretty much gone,” with key components of its military infrastructure either destroyed or rendered ineffective. He suggested that this weakening of Iran’s capabilities could lead to a fundamentally different geopolitical landscape.

Trump also alluded to what he described as a change in Iran’s leadership dynamics, indicating that recent negotiators appeared more pragmatic compared to earlier leadership under Ruhollah Khomeini. He argued that Iran had invested heavily in military expansion over the years, but claimed that much of that investment had now been neutralised.

Framing his approach as decisive, Trump said his tough stance had compelled Iran to come to the negotiating table. He expressed confidence that the talks would ultimately result in a deal favourable to the United States, stating that he was seeking complete compliance rather than partial concessions.

“I want everything,” Trump said, emphasising that Washington would not settle for incremental agreements. He reiterated that Iran currently holds little leverage, declaring that it has “no cards” left to play in the negotiations.

The President went further, making specific claims about the destruction of Iranian naval assets, alleging that a large number of ships had been sunk and that the country’s naval and air capabilities were effectively eliminated. He also referenced the reported destruction of a vessel named Soleimani, attributing it to US submarine operations.

Highlighting American military strength, Trump praised the performance and public perception of US forces, stating that they enjoy overwhelming approval ratings. He contrasted this with what he described as declining trust in institutions such as Congress and the media.

The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic efforts unfolding alongside military posturing. Trump’s statements reflect a hardline approach, signalling that Washington is pushing for maximum concessions while maintaining pressure on Tehran.

As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid, with both sides presenting sharply contrasting narratives about the balance of power and the prospects for a potential agreement.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)