Reports of Deadly Strike on Iranian School Under Investigation as Competing Claims Emerge

U.S. President Donald Trump told supporters in Hebron, Kentucky that the United States had already “won” its conflict with Iran, even as military operations continue. Speaking at a campaign-style rally, Trump argued that the outcome of the confrontation was effectively decided in its earliest phase, though he emphasized that American forces would remain engaged to complete their objectives. Trump said it is usually risky to declare victory too soon in a conflict, but insisted the situation was different in this case. According to the president, U.S. military actions quickly overwhelmed Iranian capabilities. He told the crowd that “within the first hour” the direction of the conflict was already clear, suggesting that early operations had dramatically shifted the balance of power. During the speech, Trump also claimed that U.S. forces had sunk 58 Iranian naval vessels in the course of the fighting. He described the action as a decisive strike that significantly weakened Iran’s military presence. The president did not present specific evidence for the figure, but said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the American military. While highlighting what he described as major battlefield successes, Trump signaled that Washington is not ready to bring the conflict to a close. He told supporters that leaving the fight too early could undermine the strategic gains already achieved. Instead, he argued that the United States must remain involved until its broader objectives are fully secured. “We don’t want to leave too early,” Trump said, emphasizing that the mission should be completed before the United States steps back. His remarks reflected a balancing act between declaring victory and maintaining pressure on Iran, as the administration seeks to avoid a scenario where hostilities flare up again in the near future. Trump went further by claiming that U.S. strikes had “almost completely destroyed” Iran’s military capacity. The statement appeared aimed at reassuring supporters that the campaign has significantly weakened Tehran’s ability to project power. Analysts note that such claims are difficult to verify independently during an active conflict. Beyond the military dimension, Trump also addressed economic concerns during interviews surrounding the rally. He suggested that the United States could adjust its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to influence energy prices. By releasing some oil from reserves, he said, the administration hopes to ease fuel costs while maintaining the country’s overall energy security. According to reports cited by CNN, global energy markets remain sensitive to the conflict. At around midday on March 11, Brent crude prices were hovering near 91 dollars per barrel. The ongoing tensions with Iran continue to shape market expectations and add uncertainty to global energy supplies.