WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said sending American ground troops into Iran is not currently under consideration, calling the idea “a waste of time.” His remarks came in response to warnings from Iran’s foreign minister that a ground invasion would bring severe consequences for any attacking force.
Speaking to NBC by phone, Trump claimed Iran had already suffered significant losses. “They’ve lost their navy and just about everything they could lose,” he said, dismissing comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Iran was prepared to confront a possible US or Israeli ground assault.
The president also hinted that Washington wants major changes in Iran’s leadership, saying the goal would be to “clean out everything” quickly rather than allow a long process of rebuilding the current system. Trump said he had ideas about who could lead Iran next but refused to reveal any names.
Earlier, Trump suggested the United States might play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader after reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the conflict last weekend.
Meanwhile, Israel reported carrying out heavy strikes on Friday targeting what it described as “regime infrastructure” in Tehran, marking a new stage of the war launched jointly with the United States.
Expanding Regional Conflict
The conflict has now entered its seventh day and has spread beyond Iran and Israel. Iranian forces have launched attacks toward Israel as well as the Gulf region, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Fighting has even reached the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine reportedly sank an Iranian naval vessel near Sri Lanka.
Trump Backs Kurdish Fighters
Trump also voiced support for Iranian Kurdish armed groups operating in Iraq. In comments to Reuters, he encouraged them to intensify attacks on Iranian forces along the border.
Security officials said Iran carried out two drone strikes against an opposition camp in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday. Kurdish fighters in the area have reportedly been preparing for cross-border operations aimed at weakening Iran’s security forces while US and Israeli airstrikes target key facilities inside Iran.
Debate Over Iran’s Future Leadership
Trump suggested Washington should have a say in Iran’s political future after the reported death of Ayatollah Khamenei. “We’re going to have to choose that person along with Iran,” he said.
However, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later clarified that America’s military objectives have not expanded. According to Hegseth, the mission remains focused and unchanged.
Economic Impact
The escalating conflict is already affecting the global economy. Oil prices have surged and US stock markets dropped amid concerns over disrupted energy supplies. Several countries that depend heavily on oil and liquefied natural gas have reported shortages, while transportation and logistics networks are facing serious disruptions.
Trump brushed off concerns about rising gasoline prices in the United States despite growing domestic criticism of the war.
Azerbaijan Threatens Response
Azerbaijan warned it may retaliate after accusing Iran of missile strikes that injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave. Iranian officials have denied responsibility.
President Ilham Aliyev condemned the incident, saying his country would not tolerate what he called acts of aggression.
Hezbollah Issues Warning
In Lebanon, the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah urged Israeli civilians living near the border to leave their homes. The group warned it would respond to Israeli military actions, accusing Israel of attacking civilians and violating Lebanese sovereignty.
Preparing for a Longer War
US military officials say they are ready for a prolonged campaign. Defense Secretary Hegseth and Admiral Brad Cooper said American forces have sufficient munitions to sustain operations.
The Pentagon’s campaign, called Operation Epic Fury, aims to destroy Iran’s missile systems, production facilities, and naval assets. According to Cooper, US forces have already targeted at least 30 Iranian ships and destroyed multiple missile launchers.
Rising Casualties
The conflict has caused heavy casualties. Iranian sources report more than 1,200 deaths so far, including 175 children killed when a primary school in Minab was hit.
In Lebanon, at least 77 people have died, while thousands of residents have fled southern Beirut after Israeli evacuation warnings.
With tensions escalating across multiple fronts, the Middle East appears to be bracing for further violence and retaliation.
