Trump Declares Iran War 'Already Won' While Pentagon Deploys 3,000 More Troops to Middle East

President Trump claimed on Tuesday that the U.S. and Israel have already 'won' their war on Iran, stating 'We've won this war. The war has been won,' despite the Pentagon simultaneously ordering 3,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to deploy to the Middle East. The deployment, combined with Marine units already moving toward the Persian Gulf, could bring 6,000-8,000 U.S. ground troops into proximity to Iran. Trump made these comments during a swearing-in ceremony for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, while also blaming the media for the war's continuation. His declaration of victory contradicted facts on the ground, where Iran continued launching attacks and threatening oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Pentagon officials declined to characterize the situation as 'won,' noting ongoing Iranian military operations and threats to regional stability. This represented the largest American military buildup in the Middle East in decades.

"We've won this war. The war has been won." — Statement made during the swearing-in ceremony for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, while simultaneously ordering major troop deployments to the Middle East