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Trump says war against iran is 'very complete,' CBS news reports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Reuters reports that Trump described the U.S. war against Iran as “very complete,” claiming Iran’s navy, air force, and communications are effectively destroyed and that the campaign is outpacing his initial 4–5‑week estimate. He declined to address Iran’s new supreme leader and hinted he has someon
Trump says war against Iran is 'very complete,' CBS News reports
Trump Discusses Progress and Outcomes of Iran Conflict
By Kanishka Singh
Overview of Trump's Statements on the Iran War
WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump thinks the war against Iran "is very complete" and that Washington was "very far ahead" of his initial four to five week estimated time frame, according to a CBS News interview with him.
"I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no Air Force," Trump told CBS News.
Strait of Hormuz and Oil Transit Implications
When asked about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said that ships are moving through now, but he is "thinking about taking it over."
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's key oil transit chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. The war has left the critical shipping passageway all but shut.
Timeline and Key Events in the Conflict
The United States and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28 and Iran responded with its own strikes against Israel and Gulf states with U.S. bases.
Trump has thus far offered shifting objectives and timelines for the war that has killed scores in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump told CBS News the U.S. is "very far" ahead of his initial 4-5 week estimated time frame for the war.
Leadership Changes in Iran
On Iran's new Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who is the son of the slain supreme leader, Trump told CBS News: "I have no message for him." Trump said he has someone in mind to lead Iran, but did not elaborate.
Trump has previously said he wants to have a say in determining Iran's leader, which Tehran has rejected.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Daphne Psaledakis and Michelle Nichols )
Key Takeaways
- •President Trump told CBS News the U.S. operation in Iran is “very complete,” with Iran’s military capabilities—including navy, air force, and communications—knocked out and far ahead of the initial 4–5‑week estimate (time.com).
- •Trump emphasized the U.S. is “very far” ahead of his original timeline and reiterated the operation could extend “far longer” if needed (time.com).
- •Asked about Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said he has “no message” but hinted he has someone in mind to replace him, though he did not elaborate (time.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump says war against Iran is 'very complete,' CBS News reports
1What did President Trump say about the war against Iran?
President Trump stated the war against Iran is 'very complete' and that the US is far ahead of the initially estimated time frame.
2Where did Trump make these comments about Iran?
Trump made these comments during an interview reported by CBS News' White House correspondent.
3What did Trump say about Iran's military capabilities?
Trump claimed Iran has no navy, communications, or Air Force remaining.
4Did Trump comment on Iran's new Supreme Leader?
Trump said he has no message for Mojtaba Khamenei and mentioned having someone in mind as a replacement.
