In a televised address to the nation, US President Donald Trump reviewed the most prominent developments in the military operation against Iran, confirming that “unprecedented achievements” had been achieved within just one month of the start of the operation.
Below are the highlights of his speech:
Military achievements
Trump confirmed that the US military delivered “crushing and rapid strikes” against Iran within four weeks.
- Almost complete destruction of Iranian naval power.
- Significantly paralyzed the Iranian Air Force.
- Eliminating a large number of regime leaders and Revolutionary Guard leaders.
- Reducing Iran’s capabilities to launch missiles and drones.
- Targeting and destroying weapons factories and launch pads.
The Iranian nuclear file
- He stressed his commitment since 2015 to preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.
- He described Iran as “the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.”
- Its possession of a nuclear weapon was deemed an “unacceptable” threat to global security.
He pointed out that he took decisive steps during his term, most notably: the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and withdrawal from the nuclear agreement concluded by Barack Obama.
He explained that diplomacy was the first option, but Iran rejected all attempts to reach an agreement.
He also announced the implementation of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in a previous operation. He accused Tehran of trying to rebuild its nuclear program in new locations.
Objectives of the military operation
Main goal: Eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten the United States and its allies.
He stressed that the strategic objectives are “almost complete.” He pledged to continue operations until complete victory was achieved.
He announced that the United States would intensify strikes over the next two to three weeks. He vowed to return Iran to the “stone ages.”
He pointed out the continued existence of channels of communication and negotiations in parallel with military operations.
He attributed the rise in fuel prices to Iranian attacks on oil tankers.
He called on the affected countries to buy oil from the United States.
He urged some countries to “be courageous” to protect navigation in the straits.
