By By Elizabeth Ugbo
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran’s military capability has dropped sharply following months of US-Israeli strikes. Speaking during an interview with NBC News journalist Kristen Welker, Trump claimed Iran now retains only about 21% of its missile capacity. He made the remarks while discussing ongoing US-Iran negotiations and the impact of military operations that began on February 28.
Iran’s Missile and Drone Infrastructure Targeted
Trump stated that US and Israeli forces significantly damaged Iran’s missile and drone programs.
“We know where their drones are, and we know where their drone factories are,” Trump said.
According to him, most drone factories have been destroyed. He also claimed that military operations knocked out major missile production facilities.
Furthermore, Trump said Iran still possesses missiles and drones. However, he stressed that the remaining stockpile is far smaller than before the strikes began.
“They have some missiles. They have some drones,” Trump noted. “Maybe 21% or 22% of their missiles remain.”
He added that while the percentage appears small, it still represents a substantial number of weapons.
Trump Prefers Diplomatic Agreement Over New Military Action
Despite his assessment of Iran’s weakened military position, Trump said he prefers diplomacy to renewed military strikes.
He explained that launching additional attacks would be “very easy” for the US military. Nevertheless, he wants a written agreement that achieves the same objectives without further bloodshed.
Trump emphasized that diplomacy remains his preferred path if both sides can reach a workable deal.
US-Iran Negotiations Continue
Meanwhile, Trump expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, he said talks were progressing positively.
“They’re going well,” Trump said.
However, he acknowledged that a final agreement remains uncertain.
“It might not happen,” he stated. “But it could happen over the weekend.”
Iranian Pride Slowing Peace Deal, Says Trump
Trump also suggested that Iran’s leadership has struggled to accept its current position.
According to him, Iranian officials never expected to face such military setbacks.
“I think they can’t believe they’re in the situation where they’ve been virtually decapitated,” Trump said.
He argued that national pride has complicated negotiations and delayed a potential agreement.
“They’re proud,” Trump added. “There are things they never thought they’d be doing that they’re going to have to do.”
Trump Claims Detailed Knowledge of Iran’s Arsenal
When Welker asked whether he knew the exact number of missiles and drones Iran still possesses, Trump declined to provide figures.
However, he insisted that US intelligence closely tracks Iran’s remaining capabilities.
“I know almost to the number,” Trump said.
His comments highlight the administration’s continued focus on monitoring Iran’s military assets as negotiations move forward.
