The US President Donald Trump has said American forces have made significant progress in military operations targeting Iran, describing recent strikes as necessary for national and global security.
In his national address today, he outlined what he called “Operation Epic Fury”, a campaign aimed at limiting Iran’s military capabilities and preventing it from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump explains progress
President Trump said we made a lot of progress and have successfully obliterated Iranian military capabilities.
He focused on his position on Iran for several years, repeating his view that the country should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
He accused Iran’s leadership of supporting attacks against US and allied targets for decades.
Among the incidents he referred to were past attacks on American forces in the Middle East, as well as broader regional violence.
He also criticised Iran’s handling of domestic protests, claiming large numbers of people had been killed.
Iranian officials have previously denied many of these accusations or offered different accounts of events.
Focus on nuclear programme
A central part of the speech focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The president argued that allowing Tehran to develop nuclear weapons would pose a serious threat.
He said earlier diplomatic efforts had failed to stop the programme and criticised the nuclear agreement reached under former president Barack Obama, which his administration later withdrew from.
The president also referred to the 2020 killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, describing it as a key step in weakening Iran’s regional influence.
Details of recent strikes
According to the address, US forces carried out a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year under a separate operation.
The president said these attacks had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
He also claimed that Iran had attempted to rebuild its programme at new locations, prompting further military action.
US operations have also targeted what he described as Iran’s naval forces, missile systems and defence industries.
Limited independent verification
There has been no independent confirmation of the full extent of the damage described in the speech.
Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the latest claims.
Analysts say tensions between the two countries remain high, and the situation continues to develop.
The president said the aim of the campaign is to reduce Iran’s ability to project military power beyond its borders.
He argued this would improve security for the United States and its allies.
However, observers note that such actions carry risks, including the possibility of further escalation in an already unstable region.
Also read: SBP launches independent bank accounts for teenagers
