US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States Navy sank 46 Iranian naval ships during ongoing military operations involving the US and Israel in West Asia. Speaking at an event, Trump said he initially suggested capturing the vessels so they could potentially be reused, but military officials told him it was “more fun to sink them.”

Trump said the joint operations with Israel have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities. According to him, Iranian drone and missile capabilities are being heavily targeted and destroyed, while a large portion of the country’s naval fleet has already been sunk.

Addressing Republican leaders at a policy conference, the US President said American forces had destroyed nearly 80 percent of Iran’s missile launchers and also targeted key drone manufacturing facilities. He added that the military campaign would continue until what he described as “ultimate victory” against Iran.

The remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia as the United States and Israel intensify military operations against Iranian targets, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.