WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out fresh strikes against Iran following the deaths of US service members in the Middle East, describing the operation as a response to the recent attacks while reaffirming that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday, Trump said the military action was conducted in honor of the American personnel who lost their lives. He suggested that three service members were killed and praised them as patriots.
The president also asserted that the United States maintains control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened. According to Trump, Tehran has lost much of its military strength, retaining only limited missile, drone and manufacturing capabilities.
Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a central objective of his administration. He argued that recent US military operations have gone beyond limiting Iran’s capabilities and are intended to eliminate any possibility of the country obtaining a nuclear missile.
Addressing questions about the security of Air Force One, Trump said the presidential aircraft is expected to undergo major upgrades in the coming weeks to enhance its defensive capabilities. His comments followed reports that security officials recommended using an older presidential aircraft because of heightened regional tensions.
The president also discussed the ongoing Canadian wildfires, saying he had spoken with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the smoke affecting several US states. While offering American assistance in tackling the fires, Trump suggested Canada should consider compensating the United States for the cross-border impact or face potential tariffs.
The remarks come amid continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the environmental effects of widespread wildfires in Canada.
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