Washington: In a dramatic and defiant address to the nation, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged America’s role in a major military operation inside Iran, declaring that the United States “cannot allow a terror state to possess nuclear weapons.”
Speaking shortly after the strikes began, Trump described Iran’s ruling establishment as a “dangerous regime run by very bad people,” and asserted that the objective of the operation was to neutralise threats emanating from Tehran. “A short while ago, U.S. forces launched a large-scale military operation in Iran,” he said. “Our goal is to eliminate the threat posed by this evil regime and to protect American citizens.”
Nuclear Warning and Failed Diplomacy
Referring to last year’s U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, the President said Washington had issued stern warnings to Tehran following those operations. According to Trump, Iran had been clearly told not to continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons capability.
“We tried repeatedly to reach an agreement,” he said. “But they refused. We cannot tolerate this any longer.”
Trump accused Iran of using its nuclear programme and long-range missile development to intimidate U.S. allies in Europe, warning that America itself could soon face direct threats. Calling the matter one of “national security,” he vowed decisive action. “We will reduce their missile capabilities to dust,” he declared, adding that Iran-backed militant groups would not be allowed to destabilise West Asia.
‘Number One Sponsor of Terror’
The President reiterated long-standing American allegations that Iran is the world’s “number one state sponsor of terrorism.” He cited Tehran’s alleged support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, accusing them of spreading violence across the region.
Trump also invoked historical flashpoints in U.S.–Iran tensions. He referenced the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, during which 444 days of captivity for American diplomats deeply scarred bilateral relations. He further recalled the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, in which 242 American servicemen were killed — an attack Washington has long linked to Iran-backed elements.
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America,’” Trump said. “They have shed blood, carried out mass killings, and attacked American soldiers and civilians.”
Gaza, Israel and Broader Regional Tensions
Expanding the scope of his remarks, Trump linked Iran’s alleged regional influence to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He accused Iran-backed Hamas of launching repeated attacks on Israel, claiming that over a thousand people had been killed in recent violence, including dozens of Americans.
The President also pointed to threats against American shipping interests and overseas bases, suggesting that Iran’s actions endangered not only the United States but its allies as well.
A Defining Moment
Framing the strikes as a necessary and principled stand, Trump insisted that the United States had always remained firm in its strategic commitments. “We will ensure that they never obtain a nuclear weapon,” he said.
The development marks a sharp escalation in already fraught U.S.–Iran relations and is likely to reverberate across global diplomatic and security circles. As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, aware that the consequences of this confrontation could extend far beyond the region.