Trump Urges Iran to Choose Peace Following US Military Strikes
In a decisive national address, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran, described as the "bully of the Middle East," must now pursue peace or face escalated military actions. This statement came after the United States launched coordinated strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in West Asian tensions.
Striking Iran's Nuclear Infrastructure
During his Saturday speech, President Trump hailed the operation as a "spectacular military success," confirming the complete destruction of Iran's critical nuclear enrichment sites located at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” he asserted, underscoring America’s commitment to halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
These strikes were part of a broader effort aligning with Israel’s long-standing campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, which the US identifies as a major threat due to Iran's designation as the world's primary state sponsor of terrorism.
Clear Warning: Peace or Escalation
President Trump issued a stark warning: if Iran fails to agree to a peaceful resolution, the United States is prepared to launch even more extensive and easier attacks in the future. “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” Trump said from the White House Cross Hall.
Backing the President on stage were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, highlighting the administration’s unified stance.
Iran Acknowledges Attack and Current Tensions
Iran’s official state news agency confirmed the early Sunday attacks. Citing reports from Qom province, the statement noted that part of the Fordow nuclear site was targeted after Qom's air defenses detected hostile threats. This admission punctuates an already volatile situation amid ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Israel.
The strikes occur as diplomatic efforts hover uncertainly, with Tehran and Washington engaged in tentative talks aimed at resolving escalating tensions. However, Trump's speech clearly signals that military action remains on the table should peaceful negotiations fail.
Historical Echoes
Notably, Trump delivered this address from the same White House location where a former president announced a significant military operation, subtly emphasizing the gravity and continuity of America's foreign policy challenges.
