The messages sent by US President Donald Trump regarding the war he launched against Iran are so contradictory and completely detached from reality that they even recall the rhetorical blunders of former President Biden. Indeed, no one is taking the American president’s positions seriously. Trump reportedly claims to be "bored" with the war in Iran and wants to move on to other more important matters, yet at the same time, he is amassing powerful military forces and threatening a ground invasion and the total destruction of Iranian energy infrastructure. Despite the conflicting signals, it is obvious that Trump is trapped in a stalemate with no good alternatives or exit strategy. The Iranians are ensuring he is reminded of reality; in their latest attack, they struck positions of US Marines deployed in the United Arab Emirates, destroying radars at American bases in the Gulf and anti-aircraft defense systems of the 5th Fleet, further driving up the cost for the US economy. Amidst this chaotic scene for the American military, Iran declares that it will be the one to set the terms for the end of the war, after first ensuring it "throws the Americans out of the Gulf."
Trump attack on Britain, France: "You are on your own" – Find the courage and go to Hormuz for oil
The impasse he has reached due to the war in Iran was confirmed by US President Donald Trump, who launched an attack on his NATO allies over the stance they have taken in the conflict. In posts on Truth Social, Trump primarily targets Britain and France, which have made it clear they will not participate in his call to assist in combat operations in the Strait of Hormuz. In his first post, aiming mainly at Britain, he states: "All these countries that cannot get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to participate in the 'decapitation' attack against Iran, I have a suggestion for you: First, buy from the US, we have plenty of reserves, and second, find the courage you lack, go to the Strait and just TAKE IT. You will have to start learning how to fight alone; the US will no longer be there to help you, just as you were not there for us. Iran has, essentially, been decimated. The hard part is over. Go get your own oil!" Trump’s second post targets France: "France did not allow aircraft bound for Israel, loaded with military hardware, to fly over French territory. France did not serve us at all against the 'Butcher of Iran,' who was eventually eliminated! The US will REMEMBER!!!"
Lightning operations
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that during the 88th wave of their military offensive, they carried out four successful lightning operations. "At dawn today, the fighters of the Revolutionary Guard Navy, in the 88th wave of the 'True Promise' operation, under the sacred slogan 'Ya Fatemeh al-Zahra (SA)', launched a heavy attack against US and Zionist terrorist targets, dealing them severe blows. In this lightning attack, a container ship belonging to the Zionist regime, named Express Halfong, was hit by IRGC Navy ballistic missiles in the central waters of the Persian Gulf. In a second combined operation, a gathering point of US Marines on the coast of the United Arab Emirates—who had hidden in a covered area outside a military base for fear of the Guards' destructive missiles—was hit with precision by attack drones. In another part of the operation, a HAWK anti-drone system of the American 5th Fleet, deployed outside a base near Manama airport in Bahrain, was destroyed by attack drones. In yet another leg, two advanced early-warning radars at the 'Ahmad al-Jaber' American base were hit by drones," the Revolutionary Guards claim. According to information, the attack took place at a US "command and control center" outside the Al Minhad base in the UAE. It is reported that over 200 US officers were at the site before the attack occurred.
Israeli commanders turned to dust with Emad, Khorramshahr 4, and Qadr
The Revolutionary Guards announced they bombarded positions where commanders of Israel’s home front forces were meeting. As stated in an announcement, IRGC Aerospace forces, using heavy Emad, Khorramshahr 4, and Qadr missile systems, effectively targeted areas in the center, south, north, and heart of Israel, including meeting sites in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, Be’er al-Sabe’, Galilee, and the Negev, as well as the Tel Nof airbase in Arad and the Dead Sea. IRGC naval and aerospace forces also targeted hidden US military positions and drone control centers at the Al Dhafra, Victoria, and Ali Al-Salem bases using attack drones and targeted missiles. Furthermore, it is reported that Hezbollah and resistance forces in Iraq and Yemen carried out more than 120 successful operations against northern and southern Israel, as well as against positions of US commanders in central and northern Iraq, causing significant attrition to the attacking military forces. The shift in Iran's offensive tactics and the use of new missile systems, combined with the strategic expansion of the front by resistance forces, indicate a qualitative and strategic shift on the battlefield. Iran is planning the long-term attrition of Israeli and US forces in the region, preparing the ground for the final battle.
We fully control the Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guard Navy announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully and firmly under the control of its fighters, following the order of the Supreme Leader, and that any movement by enemies will face immediate strikes. "The operation continues. The achievements of this great operation are dedicated to the high spirit of the brave commander, Admiral-Guardian Martyr Alireza Tangsiri, and the other martyrs of the Guard Navy. The Navy will continue with strength and determination on the path of martyr Tangsiri, and we are certain that this beloved martyr is by our side. We will take revenge on the criminals," the IRGC emphasizes.
Attack on tanker in Dubai
Iran attacked the Kuwaiti-flagged tanker Al-Salmi, fully loaded with crude oil, late Monday night (March 29) with a drone while it was anchored off Dubai. Authorities in Dubai announced they successfully extinguished the fire on the tanker. The Dubai government stated there were no injuries and all 24 crew members are safe. According to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, the tanker was fully loaded, although authorities announced there was no oil spill. The ship was hit 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, according to the UKMTO, a British military monitoring agency responsible for the area. Dubai authorities stated that teams are assessing the extent of the damage.
Iran dismantles US and Israeli drones
The Iranian military announced the downing of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) belonging to the US and Israel. According to the Tasnim news agency, the Iranian military announced that "at dawn today, an MQ-9 type drone of the attacking US-Zionist enemy was detected, intercepted, and destroyed by an Air Defense system in the Isfahan region." Furthermore, in another announcement, the military specified that at 10:30, a LUCAS type drone was successfully downed in the Qeshm region. With this incident, the total number of drones downed by the country's unified Air Defense network has reached 147.
Massive force
Since February 28, Iran has launched nearly 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 drones, forcing the US and its allies to use approximately 2,400 Patriot interception systems. Simultaneously, Washington is depleting advanced weapons like Tomahawk and JASSM missiles, systems originally stockpiled for a potential confrontation with China. Within five weeks of fighting, they have consumed supplies that would have lasted years, and replenishment is neither easy nor fast.
Israel struck desalination plant on Iran's Qeshm island
US President Donald Trump was reportedly infuriated when Israel, a few weeks ago, carried out an attack on a water desalination facility in Iran, reports the Axios portal, citing an anonymous high-ranking US official. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had stated that the desalination plant on Qeshm island was attacked. "Drinking water on Qeshm island is provided by desalination units. Unfortunately, one of the island's facilities was attacked and put completely out of operation, as it cannot be repaired in a short time," said the head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Center of the Iranian Ministry of Health, according to the ISNA agency. "Trump was enraged when Benjamin Netanyahu attacked the desalination facility in Iran," the official told Axios.
Pezeshkian (President of Iran): We will set the terms for the end of the war
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made it clear that any decision to end the war of aggression, which he stated was imposed by the US and the Zionist regime, will be made strictly based on Iran’s terms and national interests. Referring to the sensitive conditions Iran faces due to US and Israeli attacks, Pezeshkian stated that the continuation of coordinated services is a pillar of national resilience and must continue until final victory. The president praised the courage of the Iranian Armed Forces for their decisive defense and strong response to the attackers, calling their resistance a "golden chapter" in the nation’s history. He emphasized that the role of the Armed Forces in protecting territorial integrity and national security is critical. Pezeshkian stated that any decision regarding the end of the war will be made solely while ensuring the dignity and interests of the Iranian nation.
Araghchi (Iranian Foreign Minister): We will throw the US out of the Gulf
For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Iran’s neighboring states to move toward ending the American military presence. The Iranian FM expressed respect for Saudi Arabia, calling it a "brotherly nation." "Our operations target attacking enemies who have no respect for either Arabs or Iranians and cannot provide security. The time has come for US forces to be removed," the top diplomat emphasized.
Trump is... bored
US President Donald Trump is ready to end military operations against Iran, as the conflict may extend beyond the planned four to six weeks, reports the Wall Street Journal. According to the report, the politician is prepared to leave the Strait of Hormuz closed to navigation. As a senior White House official stated, Trump "has started to get bored with Iran" and intends to move on. However, in this context, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the Middle East. "In recent days, Trump and his associates concluded that the effort to open the strait would prolong the conflict beyond the planned timeframe," the report says.
Passing the ball to Europeans and Arabs
In the view of the White House head, Washington must now achieve its core goals—weakening the Iranian navy and reducing its missile stockpiles—to end hostilities while simultaneously applying diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore trade. "If this is not achieved, Washington will insist that allies in Europe and the Gulf take the initiative to reopen the Strait," the paper’s sources noted. The WSJ believes this position will likely strengthen Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and postpone the "complex operation" to open it.
Ground invasion remains on the table
However, the US President may still consider military options, though they are not a high priority for him, according to sources. Previously, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt announced that Washington hopes to close a deal with Tehran by April 6. She had warned that in case of refusal, Trump would "unleash real hell" against the Islamic Republic.
Times of Israel: Israel provided intel to US on Hormuz and Kharg island
Israel provided the US with intelligence on the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg island amid reports of a prepared US ground operation in Iran, reports the Times of Israel, citing military sources. President Trump previously stated that the US could attempt to seize control of Kharg, home to Iran's largest oil terminal. "The IDF provided the US with information on the Strait and neighboring islands, including Kharg," the report says. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf previously stated that the US publicly sends messages for negotiations while secretly planning a ground operation.
Contradictory Trump
At the same time, nearly 3,500 Marines and sailors, as well as transport and fighter aircraft and tactical assets, have already arrived in the Middle East. The number of US soldiers in the region has exceeded 50,000, according to the New York Times. In this context, Trump stated he wants to "seize the oil in Iran" and may take control of Kharg island. According to the Washington Post, the United States is preparing for a ground operation against Iran. Its duration could be "a few weeks" or "a few months." Plans include the seizure of Kharg island and raids on the coasts of the Strait of Hormuz, though it is unclear if Trump has approved this.
CNN: USS Tripoli in the Indian Ocean with 1,800 Marines
As speculation grows over a potential US ground operation, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, believed to carry about 1,800 Marines, is in the Indian Ocean, according to CENTCOM. A photo showed the 45,000-ton warship sailing on Sunday, March 29. It was not specified how close the ship is to Iran. The Tripoli carries troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Along with these troops, the 11th MEU, with up to 2,200 Marines, has reportedly been ordered to move to the Middle East.
Distancing himself
The report highlights that the Pentagon is sending troops while Trump makes "contradictory and detached from reality" statements, claiming he has "already won" the war. A senior official clarified that this rhetoric is linked to the leader’s desire to "simply announce victory and move on." "Trump has started to get bored with Iran. Not that he regrets it—he’s just bored," said a source. Another official noted that Trump has begun to distance himself from the conflict, turning his focus to the economy, internal problems, and the upcoming midterm elections. Axios calculated that Trump has hinted at a quick end to the operation 12 times since early March.
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