On Iran’s military capabilities, Trump reiterated claims that the country had lost its air force and all 159 of its naval vessels, describing the ships as "resting beautifully in the bottom of the sea".
TBS Report
13 October, 2026, 02:45 pm
Last modified: 13 October, 2026, 02:51 pm
US President Donald Trump suggested the United States might have gone too far in targeting Iran's leadership, saying Washington was struggling to identify Iranian officials with whom it could negotiate.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, Trump said, "We're having a hard time figuring out who the hell to deal with, to be honest with you" and "we don't know who the hell we're dealing with any more".
Trump also claimed that "Nobody wants to be the president of Iran", saying potential candidates were unwilling to take the position. Masoud Pezeshkian has served as Iran's president since July 2024.
On Iran's military capabilities, Trump reiterated claims that the country had lost its air force and all 159 of its naval vessels, describing the ships as "resting beautifully in the bottom of the sea".
His remarks came amid continuing security disruptions in the Gulf region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has reported at least 19 attacks on commercial vessels since 1 October.