- President Donald Trump has pledged to continue military operations against Iran, asserting that the campaign will persist “until all objectives are achieved”
- He framed the operation as a necessary and “righteous mission,” linking it to national security concerns and the perceived threat of Iran developing long-range missiles and nuclear capabilities
- Trump also signalled openness to diplomacy, noting that Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in talks
- The regional hostilities continue to escalate, with reports of casualties across multiple countries and retaliatory strikes
The United States President, Donald Trump, has vowed to persist with military operations against Iran, insisting the mission will continue “until all objectives are achieved” and acknowledging that additional U.S. troop fatalities may occur.
In a video shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated the justification for the conflict, framing it as a necessary response to what he described as an existential threat.
Trump stated that “an Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” though no evidence has been provided to substantiate claims that Iran is developing long-range missiles capable of striking the U.S. or advancing toward nuclear weapon capability.
Tehran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear arms, with experts assessing that any such development would likely take years.
The military action coincides with ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions on the nuclear issue.
Trump also referenced the deaths of three U.S. service members during recent hostilities, expressing grief and determination:
“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” he said.
He added, “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends… That’s the way it is – likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”
He further vowed retaliation, stating, “But America will avenge their deaths, and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilisation.”
His remarks contrasted with earlier comments suggesting diplomatic possibilities.
In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump indicated openness to negotiations: “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them.”
He suggested that earlier concessions could have prevented escalation, saying, “They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long.”
A White House official confirmed to Al Jazeera that the administration remains open to dialogue with Iran’s new leadership.
This leadership was formed following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with an interim council now overseeing governance.
The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Guardian Council member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
Trump acknowledged that some negotiators previously involved in U.S.-Iran talks had been killed in the conflict.
Analysts suggest that the new Iranian leadership may be reluctant to engage in diplomacy due to past tensions and recent hostilities.
Some experts argue that Iran could instead pursue prolonged resistance, potentially complicating U.S. political dynamics.
In his Sunday address, Trump made no direct reference to diplomatic efforts, instead urging regime change.
He again offered amnesty to members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stating that those who “lay down” their arms would be spared. Otherwise, he warned, they would face “certain death.” He also appealed to Iranian citizens: “I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise… The rest will be up to you. We’ll be there to help.”
The conflict continued across the region. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deaths of three service members and injuries to five others but provided limited details.
Reports indicate the deceased were stationed in Kuwait. Iran has retaliated with strikes on multiple regional targets, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.
Casualties have mounted, with at least 201 deaths reported in Iran and 747 injured. Israel has recorded at least nine fatalities and 121 injuries, while additional deaths have been reported in Kuwait, the UAE, and Iraq.
Iran’s IRGC claimed it targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with ballistic missiles, but U.S. officials denied any damage.
Trump also asserted that Iranian naval assets had been destroyed, claiming in a post that “we destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important.”
He further stated, “In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters.”
CENTCOM later reported that the IRGC “no longer has a headquarters,” though details remain unclear.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, acknowledged disruptions in military coordination but insisted forces were operating under prior directives. “We see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people,” he told ABC News.
The escalating crisis continues to heighten regional tensions, with diplomatic and military developments shaping the global response.