Speaking in a prime-time address from the White House, Trump described the conflict—conducted alongside Israel—as nearing a decisive outcome. He said the United States was “very close” to achieving its objectives but would “hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks” before any resolution.
The president claimed significant damage had been inflicted on Iran’s military infrastructure, stating that its missile and drone capabilities had been sharply reduced and weapons production facilities were being destroyed. He described the pace of degradation as unprecedented in modern warfare.
Trump acknowledged that Iran continues limited retaliatory actions but maintained that its strike capacity has been substantially weakened. He also referenced recent strikes on nuclear-related facilities, asserting that key materials had been neutralised or buried, while reiterating that Iran would never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Criticising the 2015 nuclear agreement, Trump argued that the deal had posed a threat to Israel’s security. While he said regime change was not an official objective, he suggested that leadership losses in Tehran had effectively altered the country’s power structure.
Addressing regional security, Trump called on Gulf nations to take primary responsibility for safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which around 20% of global oil supplies pass, while affirming continued US support.
