White House: Attacks expected to reach their objectives within 4 to 6 weeks

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answered questions from reporters at the White House. Assessing the ongoing military attacks against Iran, Leavitt stated, "As U.S. President Donald Trump has announced, we expect to reach the objectives of 'Operation Epic Fury' within approximately 4 to 6 weeks, and we are in a good position to achieve these goals."

Detailing the military objectives of the operation, Leavitt argued that the Iranian navy has been largely neutralized, stating, "More than 30 Iranian ships and boats have been sunk. Their navy has now largely lost its combat capability."

"Ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 percent"

Stating that the ballistic missile threat to the U.S. military presence in the region has also been significantly reduced, Leavitt said, "The U.S. military has achieved a major success toward this goal. In just 6 days, Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 percent." Leavitt also noted that Iran's proxy forces in the region have been weakened as part of the operation. Leavitt stated, "We have seen almost no resistance from Hezbollah and the Houthis in the last six days. We know these elements are responsible for the deaths of Americans."

"Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons"

Leavitt reiterated that one of the primary goals of the U.S. administration is to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. Expressing that Trump is determined on this issue, Leavitt said, "Trump wants the threat that Iran poses to the U.S. to be completely eliminated."

Leavitt also addressed a question regarding how Iran will be governed in the future, stating, "The President believes it is in the U.S. interest that Iran is no longer governed by a radical regime that chants 'death to America' and seeks to obtain nuclear weapons. Assessments regarding Iran's future leadership are ongoing."

"Only Trump decides on unconditional surrender"

In response to a question regarding Iran's "unconditional surrender," Leavitt replied, "As Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, when President Trump decides that Iran no longer poses a threat to the U.S. and that the objectives of 'Operation Epic Fury' have been fully realized, Iran will have effectively surrendered unconditionally."

"The U.S. military is the world's most powerful fighting force"

Responding to a question about allegations that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran, Leavitt said this situation has not caused a significant change in the military objectives of the operation. Leavitt said, "The U.S. military is the world's most powerful and lethal fighting force. We are determined to reach the operation's objectives and are making progress."

"Defense production is on Trump's agenda"

Leavitt also touched upon Trump's schedule for the coming hours, announcing that Trump will hold a meeting with experts from the defense sector alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Leavitt stated that the main agenda of the meeting is to increase the U.S.'s defense production capacity.