Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration's unwavering stance on Iran Wednesday, declaring that the regime is “negotiating on fumes” following significant military setbacks in Operation Epic Fury. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump emphasized that Iran's leadership believed they could outlast his administration, a strategy that has clearly failed.

The president's remarks underscore his commitment to ensuring Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, a top priority for national security. Trump highlighted the success of Operation Epic Fury in dismantling Iran's military capabilities, stating that their navy and air force have been decimated.

"So far they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it, but we will be, we will be. Either that or we'll have to just finish the job," Trump stated, signaling his determination to achieve a favorable outcome, even if it requires further military action. "But their navy has gone, as I've said a thousand times, their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Everything's gone and they're negotiating on fumes. But we'll see what happens. Maybe we have to go back and finish it. Maybe we don't," he continued.

Trump also pointed to Iran's collapsing economy as evidence of the effectiveness of his administration's policies. He noted that the Iranian economy is in “freefall,” with surging inflation and a devalued currency, attributing this to the pressure exerted by U.S. sanctions and military actions. The restoration of internet access in Iran, following a government-imposed blackout, was cited as a sign of desperation as Iranians seek to bypass state-controlled media and access outside information.

Dismissing concerns about the midterm elections influencing his Iran policy, Trump stated, "They thought they were going to outwait me, you know, ‘We'll outwait him, he's got the midterms.’ I don't care about the midterms. Look what happened last night. That was the prelude to the midterms." This demonstrates his focus on national security objectives above political considerations.

Trump reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizing the global importance of this objective. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I'm doing that for the world. I'm not doing it just for us. And we've had great support from other nations, by the way. We don't need it at all. But we've had great support from other nations," he said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration's commitment to diplomacy, stating that an agreement is still possible. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made it clear that the U.S. is prepared to use military force if necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. "Whether it is through the efforts of your negotiators that they ensure that they never have a nuclear weapon, or we have to go back to the War Department to finish the job that way, we're prepared to do that," Hegseth said.

The U.S. naval blockade in the Arabian Sea, part of Operation Epic Fury, continues to play a crucial role in pressuring the Iranian regime. This strategic move aims to restrict Iran's ability to project power and support terrorist proxies in the region. The international community must stand firm in its resolve to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and destabilizing the Middle East. A strong and decisive stance is necessary to protect American interests and maintain global security. The efforts to weaken Iran's capabilities are essential for preserving peace and stability in a volatile region.

Sources:

* U.S. Department of the Treasury * Foundation for Defense of Democracies * U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)