Trump boasts Iran’s military has been wiped out just days into the war, then rates the operation “12 to 15 out of 10”

President Donald Trump declared the U.S. is “doing very well” in Iran. He claimed that the country’s military has been largely destroyed just days after coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes in Tehran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The remarks were highlighted in reporting by Fox News, where Trump described the opening phase of the military campaign as a major success. He even gave the operation a rating of “a 12 to a 15 out of 10.”

Trump made the comments Friday while hosting a college sports roundtable at the White House, speaking to reporters about the war. This comes as the administration continues to defend the early results of the operation.

Trump claims Iran’s military has been wiped out

During the exchange with reporters, Trump said Iran’s military capabilities had been effectively eliminated within days of the attacks. “Their army is gone. Their navy is gone. Their communications are gone. Their leaders are gone,” Trump said.

He added that two layers of leadership had been removed and claimed the Iranian air force had been completely destroyed. Trump also said all 32 ships in Iran’s navy were now “at the bottom of the ocean.”

Trump praised U.S. forces involved in the campaign, saying the military is performing “phenomenally.” The operation comes as officials say strikes have dramatically reduced Iran’s missile and drone attacks, with recent reporting on Hegseth’s Russia remarks adding to the administration’s broader messaging.

The president argued the decision to strike was necessary after years of conflict with Iranian-backed forces. He said the United States had the choice to either continue absorbing attacks or take decisive military action.

Trump also suggested the operation has improved America’s global standing. “I think we’re, right now, a country that’s more respected than we’ve ever been respected before,” he said. He referenced earlier operations as well, including the use of B-2 bombers to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

At one point during the exchange, a reporter asked about claims that Russia may be helping Iran target Americans. Trump dismissed the question, calling it a “stupid question” and saying it was minor compared to other issues he was addressing, amid the White House Tropic Thunder post elsewhere in the administration’s public messaging.

Earlier the same day, Trump posted on X that the United States would not accept any agreement with Iran short of “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.” He added that after a new leadership structure is established in Iran, the U.S. and its allies could help rebuild the country’s economy.