“Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it.”

Trump Addresses The Nation

President Donald Trump addressed the nation following retaliatory attacks from Iran on two U.S bases in Iraq. The attacks followed the death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani who was killed in a strike by U.S forces last week.

President Trump appeared at a solemn press conference flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military brass.

No Casualties

“The American people should be extremely grateful and happy. No Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties.

“All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything.

“Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” the president said.

A History of Conflict

“For far too long, all the way back to 1979, to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond.

“Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen,” he said.

He talked about the killing of Iranian Gen. Soleimani who, the United States says, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, giving the administration’s rationale for the strike.

“As the head of the QUDS force, Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets.

“He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of U.S. Troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims.

“Soleimani directed the recent attacks on U.S. Personnel in Iraq that badly wounded four service members and killed one American, and he orchestrated the violent assault on the U.S. Embassy on Baghdad.

“In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him. Soleimani’s hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago,” he said.

New Pressure Campaign

The president did not announce any more strikes, but did threaten the possibility, as he said the United States would impose more sanctions.

“As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime.

“These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. In recent months alone Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia, and shot down two U.S. Drones.

“Iran’s hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given $150 billion not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying thank you to the United States, they chanted ‘Death to America.’

“In fact they chanted ‘Death to America’ the day the agreement was signed. Then Iran went on a terror spree, funded by the money from the deal and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq.

“The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration,” Trump said.

He also demanded that the other nations who are a part of former President Obama’s Iran deal leave the deal and apply pressure to Iran.

“The civilized world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime. Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem, will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward,” he said.

No War, For Now

“Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent,” the president said.

“Finally, to the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve,” he said.

“One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. I want to thank you and god bless America. Thank you very much,” he said.