President Trump declared Friday that the United States is close to “winding down” military operations against Iran — the same day the Pentagon confirmed two amphibious assault ships carrying thousands of Marines were headed to the region.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. was “getting very close to meeting our objectives” in Operation Epic Fury, now entering its fourth week. He listed five goals: degrading Iran’s missile capability, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, preventing nuclear development, and protecting regional allies. He told reporters he believes the U.S. has “won.”
The USS Tripoli departed Japan with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit — 2,200 Marines — and is expected in the Persian Gulf early next week. The USS Boxer left San Diego on March 18 carrying the 11th MEU’s 2,500 Marines and sailors, a three-week transit to the gulf. The two task forces add roughly 5,000 ground-combat-capable troops to the theater. The Pentagon reports 50,000 U.S. personnel are already in the region.
The Pentagon has requested an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the war. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the mission was projected to take four to six weeks. Week three begins Saturday.
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