US President Donald Trump defended his handling of the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran in a televised prime-time address, stating that American military operations were nearing completion while issuing renewed warnings against Tehran.
In a 19-minute speech, he claimed that US forces had significantly weakened Iran’s naval and air capabilities as well as its missile and nuclear infrastructure, and said strikes would continue in the coming weeks.
However, he did not provide a clear timeline for ending the conflict, instead suggesting that operations could escalate further if Iran failed to agree to US conditions.
Trump also raised concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying responsibility for securing the vital waterway should fall on other countries dependent on Gulf oil, rather than the United States.
He reiterated claims of US military success but offered limited clarity on whether key objectives—particularly blocking Iran’s path to nuclear capability—had been fully achieved.
While acknowledging economic concerns such as rising fuel prices, he said they were temporary and linked them to regional instability.
The address comes amid heightened global oil prices, growing market uncertainty, and declining domestic approval ratings, as questions persist in Washington over the long-term direction and outcome of the conflict.
