WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday described the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, as “our last, best chance to strike” to eliminate what he called the “intolerable threats” posed by Tehran.
The strikes, launched Saturday, have reportedly killed key Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Fox News reporting. The president said the campaign is ongoing, with 49 top Iranian leaders and ten naval vessels already neutralised.
Trump spoke during a White House Medal of Honour ceremony, highlighting both his current administration’s efforts and past actions against Iranian threats.
Objectives and Strategic Goals
“This was our last, best chance to strike what we’re doing right now and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Trump said. “And they are indeed sick and sinister.”
The president outlined four key objectives:
- Destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, including production sites for new weaponry.
- Neutralise the Iranian Navy, with ten ships already sunk.
- Ensure that Iran, “the world’s number one sponsor of terror,” never acquires nuclear weapons.
- Prevent Tehran from arming, funding, and directing terrorist groups outside its borders.
Trump claimed that the United States is “substantially ahead of our time projections” and emphasised that the campaign will continue as long as necessary.
Historical Context and Soleimani Strike
Trump referenced the 2020 US strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, describing him as the architect of roadside bombs that killed hundreds of American troops. “Every time you see someone with missing arms and legs or a face that’s been absolutely shattered violently — it was almost certainly caused by an Iranian roadside bomb,” Trump said.
Soleimani led the elite Quds Force, which has been designated a terrorist organisation since 2007 and was responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries among coalition forces. Fox News reporting notes he was considered one of the most powerful men in Iran and widely referred to as the regime’s “shadow commander.”
Ongoing Military Action
Trump said Operation Epic Fury continues with “ferocious, unyielding resolve,” and the Pentagon confirmed the deployment of B-2 stealth bombers armed with 2,000-pound bombs.
The president emphasised that the campaign is targeting both ballistic missile sites and other military assets that pose an “imminent threat” to the United States and allied partners.
Trump also warned that any retaliation by Iran would be met with “a force that has never been seen before.”
Diplomatic and Strategic Messaging
The president reiterated his criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, signed under former President Barack Obama, calling it a “horrible, dangerous document” that would have allowed Iran to obtain nuclear weapons within three years.
“From the beginning, I said they’re never going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “We’re ensuring that this terrorist regime cannot continue to operate with impunity.”
He also suggested the US is taking additional steps beyond military action to support the Iranian people, without providing details.
Honouring US Service Members
Trump used the ceremony to honour four American service members killed in the operation. “Today we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action and send our love and support to their families,” he said. “In their memory, we will continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve.”
He praised US military capabilities, saying, “We have the strongest and most powerful military in the world, and we will easily prevail.”
Timeline and Next Steps
The president reiterated that the initial projection for the campaign was four to five weeks, but said US forces have the capacity to continue far longer if necessary. He urged Americans to support service members currently deployed in harm’s way.
“We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections, but whatever the time is, it’s okay. Whatever it takes, we will always, and we have, right from the beginning,” Trump said.
