02.03.2026 07:50
While the war between the U.S.-backed Israel and Iran continues, a striking statement has come from Trump. New York-based ABC News reported that Trump identified individuals who could play a role in a potential regime change in Iran, but stated that these individuals were killed during the initial attacks.
The war that began with the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran is now two days in. As the world watches the increasingly intense conflict with concern, all eyes are on the leaders' statements. ABC News' chief correspondent in Washington, Jonathan Karl, reported on his conversation with Trump, noting that the US President made striking remarks about potential leadership candidates in Iran.
According to Karl, Trump stated, "The attack was so successful that it eliminated most of the candidates. None of the people we thought would be there will be because they are all dead. The second or third tier candidates are also dead."
"ATTACKS MAY LAST FOUR WEEKS OR LESS"
Trump had previously commented on the duration of operations against Iran. The US President expressed that the attacks could be completed within four weeks or a shorter time frame.
When asked about claims that Saudi Arabia could join the attacks on Iran after initially being targeted, Trump replied, "They are fighting too, they are fighting too."
Referring to the possible duration of the military process against Iran, Trump stated that it generally lasts about four weeks, adding, "No matter how strong it is, because it is a large country, it will take four weeks or less."
US-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between the Tehran and Washington administrations.
In response, Iran retaliated with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the US-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking officials, was killed.
The Iranian Red Crescent announced that 201 people had lost their lives and 747 had been injured in the bombings targeting the country.