President Donald Trump on Monday defended the ongoing U.S. military operation against Iran, claiming the United States was “very nearly under threat” — a statement that appears to contradict U.S. intelligence assessments.
Speaking during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, Trump said an Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would pose an “intolerable threat” to both the Middle East and the American people.
“Our country itself would be under threat, and it was very nearly under threat,” Trump said in his first public remarks on the strikes.
However, U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly believe Iran would not have missiles capable of reaching the American homeland until 2035. Sources also told ABC News that administration officials informed congressional staff there was no intelligence suggesting Iran was preparing a preemptive strike against U.S. interests. Officials described the threat as more regional in nature, involving missiles and proxy forces.
Trump Outlines Military Objectives
Despite those assessments, Trump argued Iran would “soon” have the capability to strike the U.S., calling the operation “our last best chance to strike.”
He outlined four objectives:
- Destroying Iran’s missile capabilities
- Annihilating its navy, claiming 10 ships have been sunk
- Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon
- Stopping Tehran from funding and directing terrorist groups abroad
Regime Change Not Addressed
Notably, Trump did not repeat prior calls for regime change in Iran during Monday’s remarks. Over the weekend, he had urged Iranians to rise up following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel strike.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also distanced the administration from regime-change rhetoric, saying at the Pentagon that the mission is not a “so-called regime-change war.”
Trump told ABC News the operation could last four to five weeks but said the U.S. has the capability to continue longer if necessary.
“Whatever it takes. We will always,” Trump said, adding, “There’s nothing boring about this.”
For more on the U.S.-Iran conflict, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.