Trump addresses nation on Iran War, says conflict will end "shortly"

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President Donald Trump delivered an address Wednesday night “to the nation to provide an important update on Iran,” the White House said, as he claims U.S. military forces could withdraw from the country within weeks. President Trump declared that U.S. military operations against Iran are nearing completion, describing the campaign as a historic and decisive victory that has “decimated” Tehran’s military and nuclear ambitions. In the wide-ranging address, Trump claimed Iran’s navy has been “destroyed,” its air force “in ruins,” and its missile capabilities largely neutralized. He said U.S. forces have crippled the country’s defense infrastructure, dismantled weapons production, and killed much of its leadership, including key figures tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Trump framed the offensive—part of “Operation Epic Fury”—as unprecedented in modern warfare, arguing that no adversary has suffered such rapid losses in a matter of weeks. “Our enemies are losing, and America is winning,” he said, adding that core military objectives are “nearing completion.” While insisting regime change was not an official objective, Trump claimed Iran’s leadership has effectively been replaced following the deaths of senior figures, describing the new leadership as “less radical.” He said negotiations may still occur, but warned that if no agreement is reached, the U.S. is prepared to escalate strikes further. He also credited U.S. allies—including Israel and Gulf nations—for supporting the campaign, while urging other countries to take greater responsibility for securing global oil routes amid recent disruptions tied to Iranian actions. The campaign could conclude within “two to three weeks,” according to Trump. He described the conflict as a necessary step to eliminate what he called a long-standing global threat, arguing it will leave the U.S. “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” “We leave because there’s no reason for us to do this,” Trump said. “We’ll be leaving very soon.” Before the address, Trump suggested a potential nuclear agreement with Iran is no longer essential, saying the country’s capabilities have been significantly degraded. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal,” he said, describing the current government as a “new regime” that is “much more accessible.” He added, “They won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon then we’ll leave whether we have a deal or not. It’s irrelevant now. It’s possible that we’ll have a deal because they want to make a deal.” Trump escalated his rhetoric later Wednesday, claiming Iran’s new leadership had reached out seeking a ceasefire — though he indicated any pause in fighting would depend on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil shipping route. “Iran’s new regime has just asked the United States of America for a ceasefire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the leadership as “much less radicalized.” He said the U.S. would consider such a move once the Strait is “open, free, and clear.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, called Trump’s claim “false and baseless,” according to Iranian state television. Until then, Trump signaled continued military pressure, warning Iran risked being pushed “back to the Stone Ages.” Subscribe to KATV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDwapMWqoitI9Wv6nA7AYw ----------------------------------------- Stay up to date with our social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KATVChannel7 X: https://twitter.com/KATVNews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katvnews/ KATV is Arkansas' #1 source for news and weather. Providing local coverage in Little Rock and Central Arkansas. #ARnews #ARpx #politics #ARwx #7OnYourSide