President Donald Trump says the US intends to keep up its strikes on Iran “in full force.”
The latest escalation comes after the US and Israel launched missile attacks on February 28, hitting Tehran and other locations across the country in the early hours.
Iran has since reported 555 deaths and hundreds of injuries, including claims that 180 of those killed were at a girls’ elementary school.
Iran responded with missile and drone launches across the region, targeting US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Dubai, Oman, Israel, Qatar and other areas.
Following the attacks on American sites, three US service members were confirmed dead. In remarks delivered on Sunday (March 1), Trump indicated the administration is not preparing to wind down operations.
“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump said. “We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more.”
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, he added: “We’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case, but America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization,”
He also suggested the campaign will continue until specific goals are met, saying: “Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved.”
Trump said the US has “strong objectives,” though he did not spell out what they are.
He went on to focus on Iranian military capabilities and the issue of nuclear development.
“We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there,” he said, referring to Iran’s nuclear program and citing strikes tied to what he described as an alleged nuclear manufacturing site hit in June last year.
“An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” Trump added.
He also claimed US and Israeli forces “hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems” and said “nine ships plus their naval base” were struck “in a matter of literally minutes.”
While the decision to strike has drawn mixed reactions, Trump argued it was “necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, blood thirsty terrorist regime, armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats.”
“For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan ‘Death to America’ or ‘Death to Israel’ or both. They are the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” he said.
He issued a warning to Iranian forces, stating: “I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,” he warned. “I call upon all the radiant patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country. America is with you.”
Trump closed his address by saying: “I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we’ll be there to help. Thank you. God bless you, to our incredible warriors, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.”