Trump Frames Strikes as Efforts to Halt Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
President Donald Trump emphasized that the main goal of recent military strikes was to make sure Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon.” He stated that previous actions had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program but claimed that Iran is now trying to revive it. The International Atomic Energy Agency and U.S. intelligence reports had confirmed that Iran stopped its weapons program back in 2003, although worries about uranium enrichment persist.
Missile Program Considered a Growing Threat
In both his State of the Union address and a recent video message, Trump highlighted advancements in Iran’s missile program. He suggested that Iran is developing long-range missiles that could pose threats to Europe, American troops stationed abroad, and possibly even the U.S. mainland. While he did not provide specific evidence, Iranian state media has reported progress on these missile systems.
Targeting Threats from Iran and Its Allies
Trump described the strikes as necessary to remove “imminent threats” faced by Americans and U.S. allies. He referred to historical attacks, including the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis and the 1983 bombing of a Marine barracks in Beirut. He also mentioned Iran’s support for Hamas following the recent attacks on Israel.
Discrepancies Over Death Toll of Protesters
Trump accused Iran’s leadership of being responsible for the deaths of “tens of thousands” of protesters amidst recent unrest. The U.S.-based group HRANA reported over 7,000 verified deaths, with many more cases still being evaluated. Iranian officials have stated that the number of deceased falls between 3,117 and at least 5,000, which includes security personnel.
Trump Calls for Uprising and Promises Ongoing Strikes
Encouraging “the great proud people of Iran” to take charge of their nation, Trump declared that the “hour of your freedom is at hand.” He warned that U.S. military actions would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary” to work towards what he described as peace in the Middle East.
