WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump told Americans in a prime-time televised address on Wednesday that U.S. military operations against Iran are nearing completion, but offered no clear timeline for ending the conflict, even as new hostilities erupted shortly after his speech.
In a 19-minute address, Trump said U.S. forces had destroyed Iran’s naval and air capabilities and severely weakened its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
“I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” Trump said. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.”
However, within hours of the speech, Iran launched a fresh round of missile strikes toward Israel, according to multiple reports, including coverage by WION. Israeli authorities said air defense systems were activated to intercept the attack.
The renewed strikes underscored the volatility of the conflict and raised questions about the prospect of a near-term resolution, despite the president’s assertion that the most difficult phase of the war had already passed.
Trump signaled that military operations would continue and warned of further escalation if Tehran refuses U.S. terms in ongoing negotiations. He said key energy and oil infrastructure could be targeted if no agreement is reached.
“Our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories,” he said, adding that discussions remain ongoing with what he described as a “less radical” group in Iran.
Still, the address left major questions unanswered, including the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments that has remained effectively closed since the war began on February 28.
Trump also urged oil-dependent nations to take responsibility for securing the waterway. “The countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage,” he said.
He reiterated U.S. support for regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and said they would not be left vulnerable.
Domestically, Trump sought to ease concerns over rising fuel prices, attributing the increase to Iranian actions in the region. He described the spike as a short-term consequence and expressed confidence that prices would soon decline.
Financial markets reacted after the speech, with stocks falling and oil prices rising, reflecting investor concerns that the conflict may persist longer than anticipated.
The latest exchange of strikes highlights the ongoing risk of escalation, even as the U.S. administration maintains that its core military objectives are close to being achieved.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
