Donald Trump has claimed that the United States Navy destroyed dozens of Iranian naval vessels during ongoing military operations, saying46 ships belonging to Iran’s navy have been sunk.

Speaking at a public event, Trump said he had initially suggested capturing the ships so they could potentially be reused. However, according to him, military officials preferred destroying them.

“I said, ‘Why didn’t we just capture the ships? We could use them.’ They said it’s more fun to sink them. They like sinking them better,” Trump remarked while discussing the operation.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The comments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Trump said joint operations with Israel have severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities, claiming that Iranian drone and missile systems are being systematically destroyed. He also asserted that Iran’s naval forces had been largely neutralised.

“The navy is gone. It’s all lying at the bottom of the ocean. We knocked out 46 ships,” he said while addressing political leaders at a conference.

Claims of Major Military Damage

The U.S. president further claimed that American strikes have destroyed around80 percent of Iran’s missile launchersand targeted several drone manufacturing facilities.

Trump said the military campaign would continue until what he described as “ultimate victory,” adding that the operation would make the world safer once Iran’s military capabilities were fully neutralised.

Wider Impact of the Conflict

The confrontation has triggered broader regional tensions, with missile and drone attacks reported across parts of the Middle East and growing concerns about global energy markets and maritime security.