In this address from White House , President Donald J. Trump announces the commencement of major combat operations in Iran (0:00-0:07), stating the objective is to eliminate threats from the Iranian regime (0:09-0:15). He characterizes the regime as a “vicious group” that has endangered the United States, its troops, and allies for 47 years (0:19-0:31).
The President outlines a history of Iranian aggression (0:31-1:57), including:
- The 1979 US embassy takeover and hostage crisis (0:49-0:58).
- The 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut (1:04-1:10).
- Involvement in the 2000 USS Cole attack (1:13-1:18).
- Killing and maiming hundreds of American service members in Iraq (1:21-1:26).
- Recent attacks against American forces and vessels in the Middle East (1:26-1:40).
- Funding terrorist militias in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq (1:47-1:57).
- Iran’s proxy Hamas launching the October 7th attacks on Israel (2:00-2:14).
He emphasizes that Iran is the “world’s number one state sponsor of terror” (2:22-2:24) and highlights its suppression of its own citizens (2:27-2:31).
A key policy point is that the Iranian regime can never have a nuclear weapon (2:31-2:46). President Trump states that in “Operation Midnight Hammer” last June, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program at Ford Natanz and Isfahan (2:48-2:59). Despite warnings and attempts to make a deal, Iran refused to renounce its nuclear ambitions and attempted to rebuild its program and develop long-range missiles (3:00-3:54).
The President then details the military’s ongoing operation (4:08-4:20) to:
- Destroy their missiles and missile industry (4:23-4:28).
- Annihilate their navy (4:32-4:35).
- Ensure terrorist proxies no longer destabilize the region or attack U.S. forces (4:37-4:49).
- Ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon (4:57-5:01).
He asserts the unparalleled strength of the U.S. military (5:11-5:28) and acknowledges the potential for U.S. casualties (5:32-5:58). The President addresses members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and police, urging them to “lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or…face certain death” (6:25-6:50). Finally, he speaks to the people of Iran, proclaiming “the hour of your freedom is at hand” (6:51-6:56), advising them to stay sheltered, and encouraging them to “take over your government” once the operation is finished (7:06-7:08).
He pledges overwhelming U.S. support for their cause (7:30-7:33).
Sources: White House video, Midtown Tribune news