US President Donald Trump avoided ruling out the deployment of ground troops to Iran, saying the option could become necessary. In an interview with US media, Trump stated that while ground forces might not be needed, it is also possible they could be required depending on the situation.
Speaking later at the White House, Trump said US objectives are clear: destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities, prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and stop it from arming and supporting terrorists abroad. He described Iran’s missile program as designed to protect its nuclear ambitions and a threat to the Middle East and the US.
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Trump explained that diplomatic efforts with Iran repeatedly failed, prompting military action. He said the operation was undertaken at the “last and best opportunity” to eliminate the intolerable threats posed by Iran’s corrupt government. He claimed that 10 Iranian naval ships had already been destroyed and the country’s missile-making capabilities weakened.
The US campaign, he added, is progressing ahead of schedule. Initially planned as a four- to five-week operation, Trump emphasized that the US has the capacity to extend it if necessary, while maintaining focus on strategic objectives and avoiding prolonged conflict.
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He also defended his 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, calling the agreement dangerous and claiming Iran would have acquired nuclear weapons three years earlier under the deal. Trump said he is proud that the US ended the agreement to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities.