US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States might conduct additional strikes against Iran as soon as Wednesday night. He reaffirmed Washington’s firm stance that Tehran will never be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.
Speaking to the press following the NATO summit in Ankara, where he was joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump described the summit as “excellent” and highlighted a productive discussion with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The US leader expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s recent actions, specifically accusing Tehran of launching missile and drone attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz just a day earlier. He stated, “There is a chance we will strike Iran again tonight,” adding, “We are going to hit Iran hard tonight.”
Trump emphasized that the US military campaign was not a war but a strategic effort focused on the denuclearization of Iran. He asserted that the United States could dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities even without a formal agreement.
Reflecting on Iran’s behavior over the past 47 years, Trump criticized former President Barack Obama, labeling the 2015 nuclear deal as “the worst deal in history” and accusing the Obama administration of providing billions of dollars to Iran. He reiterated, “Iran will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Turning to the situation in Ukraine, Trump revealed plans for the US to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missile systems. He noted that the US has strategic interests in Ukraine, including its mineral resources.
Trump reaffirmed America’s commitment to seeking a ceasefire to save lives and expressed optimism about ending the conflict. He also mentioned expecting to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day, observing that Moscow’s conditions for peace were shifting.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expressed hope that Trump would assist in securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
