PRESIDENT TRUMP: “I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important.” “In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”

President Trump Announces Major Blow to Iranian Navy: 9 Ships Sunk, Naval Headquarters Largely Destroyed
In a bold social media post on Sunday, March 1, 2026, President Donald J. Trump declared significant successes for U.S. military forces in ongoing operations against Iran. The announcement comes amid escalating conflict following U.S. and allied strikes that began over the weekend, which have targeted key Iranian military assets and reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”
The statement, delivered with Trump’s characteristic mix of triumph and sarcasm in the final line, highlights what the administration describes as rapid progress in degrading Iran’s maritime capabilities. The U.S. Central Command has been involved in operations in the region, including the Gulf of Oman and potentially the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian naval forces have historically operated.
This development follows reports of joint U.S.-Israeli military actions under what the White House has termed Operation Epic Fury. The campaign aims to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, dismantle its ballistic missile programs, and weaken proxy networks. Early strikes reportedly killed high-level Iranian leadership, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran that have caused U.S. casualties, including three service members killed and several wounded.
A U.S. defense official confirmed aspects of Trump’s post, though detailed operational specifics—such as the exact locations of the sinkings or the types of vessels involved—remain limited in public disclosures. Iran’s navy, while not as large as those of major global powers, includes frigates, submarines, and fast-attack craft that pose threats in Persian Gulf waters.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention, with coverage across major outlets including Military Times, Axios, Reuters, and the New York Post. Markets in the Middle East showed volatility, with shares dipping amid fears of prolonged conflict and disruptions to oil shipping routes.
President Trump has warned that further Iranian retaliation would be met with overwhelming force, stating in related posts that the U.S. would respond with strength “never seen before.” He has also indicated openness to negotiations if Iran shifts its stance on nuclear ambitions, though the administration emphasizes that the current operations are necessary to restore deterrence after years of perceived Iranian aggression.
As the situation evolves, U.S. officials continue to monitor Iranian responses closely, with carrier strike groups positioned in the region to support ongoing missions. The full scope of naval losses on the Iranian side, and any independent verification from Tehran, remains under scrutiny as the conflict enters its next phase.