President Trump escalated his warnings about Iran during his State of the Union Address, framing the country’s nuclear and missile programmes as a direct and growing threat to the United States itself. The remarks marked a notable shift in tone, moving the conversation beyond the Middle East and into the realm of homeland security.
Trump said Iran has developed missiles capable of hitting targets in Europe and at American military installations around the world. More alarmingly, he said Iran is working on extending that range to eventually reach the United States directly — a prospect that he said demands urgent and firm action.
Despite this alarming assessment, Trump acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Two rounds of nuclear negotiations have already been completed this month, with Iran apparently expressing willingness to reach an agreement. But Trump made clear that any deal must hinge on Tehran’s categorical rejection of nuclear weapons.
The president pointed to last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer as evidence of America’s willingness to act decisively. The strike, he said, destroyed Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure, though he expressed frustration that Iran appears determined to rebuild despite that setback and explicit warnings from Washington.
Trump closed his remarks with a message that combined warning with restraint. He said his preference is always for peace, but that protecting the United States from nuclear-armed adversaries is a responsibility he will never walk away from, no matter the cost.
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