"As long as I'm president, Iran will never be allowed to have nuclear weapons," US President Donald Trump said Wednesday in an address to the nation following an Iranian strike on an Iraqi base housing US military personnel.
"The American people should be extremely grateful no Americans were hurt by the attack by the Iranian regime," Trump said.
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"All of our soldiers are safe, there is minimal damage to our bases," Trump continued.
The president said that "Iran appears to be standing down."
"No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, and the early warning systems that worked very well. I salute the men and women in uniform," Trump said.
"Nations have tolerated Iran's behavior. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism.
'Iran appears to be standing down'
"Last week we took decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist from taking American lives," Trump said, referring to a US airstrike that killed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who headed one of Iran's elite unit in the Revolutionary Guards that report to Supreme Leader Khamenei.
"As the head of the Quds Force, he [Soleimani] was responsible for some of the worst atrocities, launching terrorist strikes against civilians … He directed recent attacks on US personnel in Iraq and orchestrated the violence in the US Embassy in Baghdad.
"Soleimani's hands were drenched in American blood. By removing Soleimani, we sent a powerful message: if you value your own lives, you won't threaten the lives of our people," Trump declared.
"We will impose immediate sanctions on the regime," the president added.
"Iran's hostility increased after the foolish nuclear agreement was signed in 2015. They were given 150 billion dollars, not to mention $1.5 billion in cash. Instead of thanking America, they chanted 'Death to America.' Then they went on a terrorist spree funded by the money, and created chaos in Afghanistan and Iraq and Lebanon," the president said.
"The attacks yesterday were made possible by the funds made available. The agreement gives Iran a quick and clear path to a nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the world to recognize this reality," Trump said.
"They must break away from the remnants of the Iran deal. We must work on a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer place. We must also make a deal that makes Iran prosperous through its untapped potential.
"Your campaign of terrorism will not be allowed to go forward and won't be tolerated," Trump warned.
'The JCPOA gives Iran a quick and clear path to a nuclear breakout'
The president said he would ask NATO to get involved in the Middle East process.
Trump then went on to point out that the US was now the world's top producer of oil.
"We don't need Middle Eastern oil," he said.
"The US armed forces are stronger than ever before. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles – we do not want to use this strength. American strength is the best deterrence."
Trump concluded with an appeal to the people and leader of Iran: "We want you to have a great future of prosperity and harmony with the nations of the world. We are ready to embrace all who want peace."
