Trump says 'core strategic objectives' in Iran war nearing completion
What's the story
US President Donald Trump, in his address to the nation, said Washington's "core strategic objectives" in the Iran war were nearing completion. He claimed that US military efforts have crippled Tehran's military capabilities and promised to "finish the job" soon. But over the next two to three weeks, Trump warned that Washington would "hit Iran extremely hard," signaling an intense final phase of the military campaign.
Military impact
US to bring Iran back to pre-modern state: Trump
Trump said that the US military has systematically dismantled Iran's navy and air force within just one month. He claimed that most Iranian leaders are now dead and command structures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are being destroyed. The US president warned that Iran would be brought back to the Stone ages over the next two to three weeks if no agreement is reached.
Nukes
'Nuclear sites obliterated with the B-2 bombers'
Trump pointed to recent US attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, claiming that sites bombed by B-2 bombers had been "obliterated" and threatening future strikes if Tehran attempted to recover nuclear material. "The nuclear sites that we obliterated with the B-2 bombers have been hit so hard that it would take months to get near the nuclear dust," Trump said. "If we see them make a move, even a move for it, we'll hit them with missiles very hard."
Economic impact
Addressing global oil price hike, Trump blames Iran
In his address, Trump blamed Iran for recent hikes in global oil prices due to "deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers." "Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices," Trump said. "The short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighboring countries." He urged countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil to secure their shipping routes and reduce dependence on the region.
Allied support
US president praises Middle Eastern allies for support
Trump also praised regional allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain for their support in the campaign against Iran. He called them "great" partners in this effort. The US president reiterated that regime change was not the goal of this war but admitted leadership changes have occurred due to the deaths of original leaders.