What is Operation Epic Fury and how long has it been active?
Operation Epic Fury is a U.S. military campaign targeting Iran; Trump says it has been active for one month and delivered 'swift, decisive' battlefield results.
Video Summary
Operation Epic Fury has been active for one month; Trump says U.S. forces have inflicted decisive battlefield losses on Iran.
Administration claims Iran’s navy and air force are largely destroyed, many regime leaders killed, and missile/drone capacity curtailed.
Primary objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons by dismantling military, missile and command capabilities.
Trump highlights past actions (killing Qasem Soleimani, ending the Iran nuclear deal, strikes on nuclear sites) as important steps.
Administration pledges to complete military objectives soon, including plans to target Iran’s electrical infrastructure if necessary.
Operation Epic Fury is a U.S. military campaign targeting Iran; Trump says it has been active for one month and delivered 'swift, decisive' battlefield results.
He claimed Iran’s navy is gone, its air force is in ruins, missile and drone launch capacity is dramatically curtailed, and many regime leaders are dead.
He cited killing General Qasem Soleimani, terminating the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, and ordering strikes on key nuclear facilities (Operation Midnight Hammer).
Trump said the U.S. initially avoided striking Iran's oil, implying it remains an option but was not targeted at the outset.
He announced plans to intensify military actions in coming weeks and specifically mentioned dismantling Iran’s electrical infrastructure as part of completing objectives.
"Thank you very much. My fellow Americans, good evening. Let me begin by congratulating the team at NASA and our brave astronauts on the successful launch of Artemis 2."
President Trump starts the briefing by acknowledging the successful launch of NASA's Artemis 2 mission, which aims to travel further than any manned rocket has ever flown, surpassing the distance around the Moon.
He commends the bravery and expertise of the astronauts involved in this mission, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for the future of space exploration.
"As we speak this evening, it’s been just one month since the United States military began Operation Epic Fury, targeting the world’s number one state sponsor of terror, Iran."
The President informs the audience that the U.S. military has been actively engaged in operations against Iran for the past month, successfully executing "swift, decisive, overwhelming victories" on the battlefield.
He states that significant military capabilities of Iran, including their navy and air force, have been severely diminished, with many of their leaders in the regime now deceased.
"This fanatical regime has been chanting, 'Death to America, Death to Israel,' for 47 years."
President Trump highlights the long-standing history of hostility from the Iranian regime towards the United States and its allies, pointing to past terrorist attacks such as the Beirut bombing and ongoing threats to American lives.
The President warns that allowing Iran to possess nuclear weapons would result in an intolerable threat, providing this "violent and thuggish regime" a license to pursue terror, coercion, and mass murder on a wider scale.
"I killed General Soleimani in my first term... The father of the roadside bomb."
Trump shares his decision to eliminate Iranian General Soleimani, framing it as pivotal in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and acknowledging the potential that Soleimani's survival could have posed to U.S. interests.
He reflects on the failure of past diplomacy efforts, especially criticizing the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by President Obama, which he claims would have enabled Iran to produce a large arsenal of nuclear weapons.
"We’re systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders."
The President outlines the key objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which include the complete destruction of Iran's military prowess, particularly its navy, air force, and missile programs.
He emphasizes that through these actions, the U.S. aims to cripple Iran’s military capacity and disrupt its support for terrorist proxies, thereby reducing any potential threat to the United States and its allies.
"We think especially of the 13 American warriors who have laid down their lives in this fight."
Trump pays tribute to the U.S. servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives in the operation, expressing a commitment to complete the mission they fought for.
He recounts his experiences visiting Dover Air Force Base to honor the fallen, reinforcing the obligation to fulfill the objectives of Operation Epic Fury to ensure a safer future for American children free from the threat of a nuclear Iran.
"We built the strongest economy in history and positioned ourselves to confront the threat from a nuclear Iran."
The speaker emphasizes the economic strength of the United States, claiming it is the strongest in history and has achieved this status within a year following the previous administration's governance.
Notably, the economy experienced record-setting investments of over $18 trillion and achieved an all-time high in the stock market with numerous records.
This economic boost is framed as crucial for tackling challenges, specifically targeting Iran, which is described as a decimated state both militarily and economically.
"Under my leadership, America has become the number one producer of oil and gas on the planet."
There is a notable emphasis on America's energy independence, highlighting that the U.S. imports almost no oil through the Strait of Hormuz and will not need to in the future.
The speaker contrasts U.S. oil production with that of Saudi Arabia and Russia, asserting that U.S. output surpasses theirs combined due to current administration policies.
The need for nations relying on oil from the Strait to actively protect it is highlighted, suggesting an opportunity for cooperation and mutual benefit.
"We’re on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly."
The speaker details the military objectives against Iran, proclaiming that significant progress has already occurred and affirming a strategy to continue operations until all objectives are achieved.
There is a commitment to intensify military actions over the upcoming weeks, with plans to dismantle Iran's electrical infrastructure.
By abstaining from targeting Iran's oil initially, it is suggested that there remains potential for future operations that could further cripple Iranian capabilities.
"We are currently in this military operation against one of the most powerful countries for only 32 days."
The speaker puts the current military operation against Iran in perspective, comparing it with the lengths of major historical conflicts and asserting that Iran has effectively been neutralized as a threat in a relatively short period.
The narrative underscores that the operation serves as an investment into the future safety and prosperity of the U.S. and its allies.
The power of the U.S. military is reiterated, framing the operation as a showcase of both strength and strategic brilliance on the world stage.
"Because of the actions that we’ve taken, we’re on the cusp of ending Iran’s sinister threat to America and the world."
The closing remarks focus on the anticipated outcome of military actions leading to a future free from Iranian aggression and threats of nuclear blackmail.
By positioning the U.S. as stronger and more prosperous post-conflict, it taps into a sense of hope and assurance for American citizens regarding their safety and economic stability.
The significance of the military's role in securing this victory is acknowledged, establishing a positive outlook on future relations and global stability.