Donald Trump’s Iran war speech, annotated

President Donald Trump claimed Iran posed an “imminent” menace to the US and its allies as he joined Israel in launching a war to topple the Iranian regime.

Trump said Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, though Iran mentioned he was alive and that its authorities continued to perform. Iran responded with assaults on US bases, Israel, and targets throughout the Middle East.

Trump introduced the key navy motion, which thus far depends on US air and naval energy, in a video posted to his social media account at 2:30 am ET through which he wears a white USA ball cap.

Bracing Americans for the chance of US casualties, Trump additionally warned that Iranian forces will likely be killed until they lay down weapons.

Here are his remarks, annotated with context:

(While the US and Israel launched this assault with out apparent provocation, Trump argues it was an act of self-defense. Iran does have nuclear capabilities, however Trump says, with out specifics, the menace from Iran is “imminent.” It’s essential for him to assert Iran is an imminent menace as a result of he launched this war utilizing emergency powers and with out authorization from Congress. Critics will say an unprovoked assault violates worldwide legislation and usurps the role of Congress.)

(Trump doesn’t point out right here that the US and CIA have been concerned within the coup that toppled a democratically elected chief in Iran in 1953, one thing that sparked anti-American sentiment in Iran. The US supported the authoritarian shah who dominated till he was overthrown within the 1979 revolution, when hostages were taken from the US embassy. The hostage disaster, which featured a failed rescue attempt by US particular forces, performed a serious position within the 1980 presidential election, when Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter. The hostages have been launched by Iran within the moments after Reagan was sworn in as president.)

(Read extra concerning the bombing of the Marine barracks and the USS Cole disaster, which killed 17 sailors.)

(Oil-rich Iran has lengthy supported Hamas with cash and coaching, however Iran’s authorities claimed no direct involvement within the October seventh assaults. NCS reported within the aftermath of the assault on Israel that preliminary US intelligence advised senior Iranian officials were surprised by it.)

(Iran claims to not be looking for a nuclear weapon, however quite vitality. Last March, the US intelligence assessment was that Iran will not be looking for to construct a nuclear weapon. Trump struck Iran’s nuclear websites final 12 months anyway. Iran insists that it has the right underneath worldwide legislation and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to which it’s a social gathering to develop its personal nuclear materials for an vitality program. The US and Israel, together with different international locations, don’t belief the Iranian regime. Trump throughout his first time period ended an advanced deal negotiated by the Obama administration by way of which Iran mentioned it will put aside nuclear ambitions in trade for unlocking sanctions in opposition to its oil wealth.)

(Read NCS’s report about Trump’s resolution to bomb Iran’s nuclear websites final June, when Trump mentioned the operation had destroyed Iran’s nuclear program. That boast now appears to have been untimely, given the large new navy operation.)

(US intelligence doesn’t again up Trump’s declare that Iran is constructing long-range missiles. Here’s the important thing line from NCS’s report: “An unclassified assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) from 2025 said that Iran could develop a ‘militarily-viable’ intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 ‘should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.’”)

(The phrases “massive” and “ongoing” are essential right here. This will not be a one-off strike just like the bombing of Iranian nuclear websites in June or the snatching of Venezuelan chief Nicolás Maduro in January. This feels like a war, though Congress has not licensed it or written a test to pay for it.)

(Trump has requested Congress to spend $1.5 trillion on the protection subsequent 12 months, an enormous enhance.)

(This is a vital warning for Americans: US servicemembers could also be killed on this operation. Most Americans opposed utilizing navy power to assault Iran, in line with recent polls, though most Republicans approve of the thought. There is broad concern concerning the US getting entangled in a long-term war.)

(In Venezuela, the Trump administration is working with the remnants of the Maduro regime, that are nonetheless accountable for the nation. It’s not clear who the US want to see take over in Iran.)

(Interestingly, Trump doesn’t name on Iranians to stand up in opposition to the authoritarian regime, however quite to let the US take out their leaders.)

(If current historical past from US adventures in Iraq, Afghansistan and Libya is any information, it’s after navy motion and regime change that issues can actually disintegrate.)