Trump says US military operation in Iran is ‘ahead of schedule’
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President Donald Trump announced Monday that a joint U.S.-Israeli operation to “eliminate the threat” in Iran is “ahead of plan.”
Trump gave an update on “Operation Epic Rage” during the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, promising that the United States would “easily defeat” the “terrorist regime.”
“We have by far the strongest and most powerful military in the world, and we will prevail easily. We are already significantly ahead of our time estimates, but it’s okay whatever the time is. Whatever it takes.”
USA and Israel took action Epic Operation Rage On Saturday morning, a joint military operation was carried out, officials said, targeting the Iranian leadership and key military facilities.
President Donald Trump speaks about Iran before the Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump stated that the operation is expected to last four to five weeks and said, “We have the capacity to last much longer than that.”
“We also anticipated four weeks for the end of military leadership,” Trump added. “And as you know, this was done in about an hour. So we’re way ahead of schedule there.”
A senior US official had previously confirmed to Fox News that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the 5 to 10 senior leaders killed after Israel’s attack on Tehran as part of a joint operation. Iranian state media also confirmed that Khamenei and several senior leaders were killed in the attacks.
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Earlier on Monday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined what he described as a “clear” three-part mission against Iran, insisting the conflict “is not forever” and firmly rejecting comparisons with past US wars in the Middle East.
“We determine the terms of this war from start to finish. Our goals are not utopian. They are realistic, aimed at our interests and the defense of our people and our allies,” he told reporters at the Pentagon.
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Officials told Fox News that Israel is focusing on Iran’s leadership objectives, while the United States is targeting military sites and ballistic missile infrastructure that it says pose an “imminent threat.”
Fox News Digital’s Ashley Carnahan and Max Bacall contributed to this report.
This is developing news; check back for updates.
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