Trump: War in Iran is unfolding 'very quickly'

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump stated that the war against Iran is unfolding "very, very quickly", even as the new Iranian leader promised defiance in his first public message, AFP reported.

"The situation with Iran is unfolding very, very quickly. It's going very well, our military is second to none," Trump said at the White House.

"They are truly a nation of terror and hatred and they are paying a big price right now," added the US leader, who was attending a Women's History Month event with First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump has sent mixed signals about the progress of the war in recent days, saying that we have "won" against Iran and that it could end "very quickly", but also insisting on the need to continue fighting.

He did not directly respond to comments from the new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in his first message since being appointed to the position, promising revenge and saying that Iran must maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil prices have risen with the halt of tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.

Trump said earlier on Thursday on social media that it is more important to prevent the Iranian "evil empire" from acquiring nuclear weapons.