President Donald Trump said the US has seized its 'last, best chance' to hit the Iranian theocracy, outlining the aims of the military campaign dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury'. The campaign, which could last four to five weeks, is 'substantially ahead' of schedule, according to Trump.
Speaking during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, Trump said the strikes are aimed at achieving four main objectives: the destruction of Iran's missile capabilities, its navy, its nuclear program, and its 'terrorist armies'. The US and Israel launched their joint military campaign against the Islamic Republic with a round of strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and destroyed government and military infrastructure across the country.
Breakdown in Nuclear Negotiations
The strikes followed a breakdown in nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. Trump said that an acceptable deal would mean 'no nuclear weapons, no missiles', terms that Iran rejected. 'We thought we had a deal, but then they backed out,' Trump said. 'I said, 'You can't deal with these people. You gotta do it the right way.''
Trump's address marked his first live comments since the start of the military campaign. The Pentagon has not commented on the specifics of the campaign, but Trump said the US has the capability to go 'far longer' than the initial estimated duration.