**US President Donald Trump Suggests 'Winding Down' Military Operations in Middle East** US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States is nearing its military objectives in the war in the Middle East and is considering winding down its military efforts. Trump listed five main objectives that Washington aims to achieve in its war with Iran. According to Trump, the objectives are: **completely degrading Iran's missile capabilities, launchers, and related systems**; **destroying Iran's defense industrial base**; **eliminating the Iranian Navy and Air Force, including anti-aircraft weaponry**; **preventing Iran from achieving nuclear capability while remaining ready to respond quickly if necessary**; and **protecting Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others**. The announcement comes as Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, claimed victory over the US and Israel in a message marking the Persian New Year, Nowruz. Khamenei stated, "At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you our compatriots, the enemy has been defeated." He described US and Israeli attacks as an illusion aimed at overthrowing Iran's government and accused them of plotting attacks in Turkey and Oman to sow divisions among regional nations. Trump rejected calls for a ceasefire, stating, "I don't want to do a ceasefire. You know you don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side." He emphasized that the United States is close to achieving its military objectives and that responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz should shift to other nations using it, with the US providing assistance. Trump also expressed confidence in the US military, saying, "I think we have won." The conflict has escalated in recent weeks, with the United States deploying additional Marines to the Middle East. However, Washington maintains that there are no current plans to send ground troops into Iran. The situation remains uncertain, with both sides claiming victory in the ongoing war.