President Donald Trump has revealed he has plans to continue the US’s attacks on Iran ‘in full force.’
The US and Israel teamed up on February 28 to rain down missiles on Tehran, Iran’s capital, and other cities in the early hours of the morning.
As a result, Iran has reported 555 deaths and hundreds of casualties, including 180 deaths reportedly coming from a girl’s elementary school.
In retaliation to the onslaught, Iran fired off missiles and drone attacks to its neighboring countries, as it targeted US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Dubai, Oman, Israel, Qatar and more.
After attacking US sites, four servicemen have been confirmed as having died in the blasts, and in his latest address on Sunday (March 1), Trump revealed his administration has no plans to stop the conflict just yet.
Donald Trump revealed how long the war on Iran will last (White House)
How long will the strikes on Iran last?
“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.”
“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 added as he shared his plans from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
However, he did give insight on a timeline, noting: “Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved.”
‘Until all of our objectives are achieved’ (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
What is Trump trying to achieve by striking Iran?
According to the POTUS, they have ‘strong objectives’, but didn’t detail what those were.
However, he did go on to speak about Iran’s weaponry, which might be a clue.
“We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there,” he said in his speech, referencing Iran’s nuclear program that sparked initial missiles to the nation’s alleged nuclear manufacturing site 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 of the implications of Iran having nuclear capabilities.
However, he did say that the US and Israeli military ‘hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems’ and ‘nine ships plus their naval base, all in a matter of literally minutes.’
While the strikes have been met with division, Trump said the attack is ‘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.
“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.”
Finally, he concluded: “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.”
Featured Image Credit: Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images
