The ceasefire announcement came Tuesday evening, shortly before the deadline for Trump’s threat to destroy Iran’s “civilization” if its leaders didn’t strike a deal. Leavitt credited the U.S. bombardments and Trump’s threats to end their “civilization” for Iran agreeing to a ceasefire.
Trump has demanded Iran reopen the strait to traffic and suggested on his social media account that the U.S. and Iran should jointly charge tolls for passage through the Strait. During Wednesday’s briefing, Leavitt said that was an idea the president has “floated,” but said Trump ultimately wants the sea route open ”without any limitations, like tolls or otherwise.”
The U.S. has severely weakened Iran’s military, Leavitt said, running down a list of damage U.S. bombardments did to Iranian stockpiles. Iran’s ability to build and store ballistic missiles has been “set back years,” she said. The U.S. launched 450 strikes against ballistic missile facilities and 800 strikes against Iran’s drone launching facilities. Iranians submarine fleet and 150 navy vessels were destroyed, as well as stores of 5,000 naval mines.