Press Conference Summary

U.S. Military Operations Launched Against Iran

A press conference was held to announce the commencement of major combat operations by the United States military in Iran. The primary objective stated for these operations is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. The speaker described the regime as a "vicious group of very hard, terrible people" whose activities "directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world."

Justification for Military Action

The speaker detailed a long history of alleged aggression by the Iranian regime over 47 years, including chanting "death to America," engaging in "bloodshed and mass murder," and targeting the United States and its allies. Specific past incidents cited include:

• The violent takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the holding of 444 American hostages.
• Iran's proxies carrying out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut in 1983, which killed 241 American military personnel.
• The regime's suspected involvement in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole.
• Iranian forces killing and maiming hundreds of American service members in Iraq.
• Continued attacks by the regime's proxies against American forces in the Middle East and U.S. naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes.

The speaker also highlighted the regime's alleged role in arming, training, and funding terrorist militias from Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, and specifically identified Iran's proxy, Hamas, as responsible for the October 7th attacks on Israel, which resulted in the slaughter of over 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, and the taking of 12 U.S. citizens hostage. Iran was also accused of killing "tens of thousands of its own citizens" during protests.

Nuclear Threat and Previous Operations

A core reason for the military action is the assertion that the Iranian regime "can never have a nuclear weapon." The speaker reiterated this stance multiple times. It was revealed that in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, the U.S. military "obliterated the regime's nuclear program" at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Despite warnings and attempts to negotiate, Iran allegedly refused to renounce its nuclear ambitions and instead "attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles" that could threaten Europe, U.S. troops overseas, and potentially the American homeland. The speaker expressed concern about how "emboldened" the regime would become if armed with nuclear weapons.

Objectives of "Operation Midnight Hammer"

The ongoing military operation aims to:

• Prevent the Iranian regime from threatening America and its core national security interests.
• Destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground, stating it will be "totally, again, obliterated."
• Annihilate their navy.
• Ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world, attack U.S. forces, or use IEDs or roadside bombs.
• Ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, with a clear message: "They will never have a nuclear weapon."

The speaker emphasized the strength and sophistication of the rebuilt U.S. military, stating that "there is no military on Earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication."

Potential Casualties and Message to Iranian Forces and People

The speaker acknowledged that casualties may occur among U.S. personnel, stating, "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war." However, the mission was framed as being conducted "for the future" and as a "noble mission."

A direct message was issued to the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all police of Iran: they must lay down their weapons and receive complete immunity, or face "certain death."

Finally, a message was directed to the "great, proud people of Iran," announcing that "the hour of your freedom is at hand." They were advised to stay sheltered as "bombs will be dropping everywhere" and were encouraged to take over their government once the operation is finished, with the speaker stating this could be their "only chance for generations." The speaker claimed to be the first president willing to offer this level of support, backed by "overwhelming strength and devastating force," urging the Iranian people to "seize control of your destiny" and "unleash a prosperous and glorious future."