U.S. President Donald Trump stated his administration is close to achieving its strategic goals in Iran, warning of severe attacks if a deal isn’t reached.
Trump: Operation in Iran Nearing Completion, Further Strikes Threatened
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is nearing the completion of its operation in Iran, stating they will be “hitting them very hard” within the next two to three weeks, and “return them to the Stone Age.” He did not address previous threats regarding potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO.
U.S. Close to Achieving Goals in Iran
Trump asserted that the U.S. is close to realizing its main strategic objectives in the operation against Iran, stating it would be concluded “very quickly.” He thanked allies in the Middle East – Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain – adding that they “are great and we won’t let them be harmed in any way.”
Threats of Additional Strikes
Trump threatened to launch significant attacks on Iran within two to three weeks, aiming to revert the country to “the Stone Age, where they belong.” He noted that “talks are ongoing” and claimed a regime change had occurred in Iran, though this was not the operation’s objective.
Potential Attacks on Power Plants and Oil Sector
Trump warned that if an agreement with Iran isn’t reached, the U.S. will “hit every one of their power plants, probably all at once.” He also threatened attacks on targets related to Iran’s oil sector, asserting, “We have all the cards, they have none.”
Assessment of Operation “Epic Fury”
Trump assessed that U.S. armed forces achieved “rapid, decisive, and overwhelming” victories during the four-week Operation Epic Fury. He reiterated that the Iranian navy is destroyed, its air force is “in ruins,” and most leaders are deceased, significantly limiting Iran’s drone and ballistic missile capabilities.
Dispute Over the Strait of Hormuz
Trump repeated that the U.S. does not need the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been blocking since the start of the war on February 28th. He stated that countries reliant on oil transported through the strait should be responsible for securing it.
Appeal to Oil-Dependent Nations
Trump suggested that nations struggling to secure fuel, particularly those refusing to participate in the effort against Iran, should purchase oil from the United States, stating the U.S. has ample supply. He urged them to “get some courage.” He believes the strait will “open naturally” after the conflict ends.
NATO Issue Unaddressed
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump announced he would consider withdrawing the U.S. from NATO during his evening address. He had also described the alliance as a “paper tiger” in an interview with The Telegraph. However, he did not address the issue during his speech.