Trump: "We have all the cards"…In address to the nation, underscores both negotiations and offensive action

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would continue negotiations with Iran while also maintaining a powerful military offensive in the coming weeks.

In a White House address to the nation on the 1st (local time), Trump said, "Negotiations are ongoing, and the United States has all the cards," adding, "Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, we will continue very strong attacks against Iran."

He claimed, "Through Operation Epic Fury, we achieved a swift and overwhelming victory over Iran," and added, "Iran’s navy has evaporated, and its air force no longer exists." He went on to say, "Most of Iran’s leaders have been killed, and its missile and drone capabilities have also been curtailed."

On strikes on nuclear facilities, he said, "Through Operation Midnight Hammer, we eliminated nuclear weapon manufacturing facilities with B2 bombers," adding, "Without that operation, the development of nuclear weapons would have been completed rapidly." He also stressed, "Strategic core objectives in Iran are nearly complete," and "We will wrap this up quickly. We cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons—ever."

He also voiced distrust of Iran, saying, "Iran is a country that has killed more than about 45,000 of its own people," adding, "It can never be trusted."

Turning to the previous administration, he criticized, "The Biden administration supported Iran, but Iran mocked it and used it to advance its nuclear development," adding, "We will correct that."

On Middle East strategy, he said, "The United States does not need Middle East oil. We do not need to be in the Middle East," adding, "Countries that use the Strait of Hormuz must protect it themselves. The United States will only play a supporting role."

He also mentioned the impact on energy markets. "Iran’s attacks could push up energy prices in the short term, but once the conflict ends, they will fall quickly," he said, adding, "The stock market will rise as well."

He continued, "We can strike Iran’s energy facilities, and we are watching their every move," adding, "If they do anything foolish, we will respond immediately. Iran is no longer a threat," he claimed.