On April 1, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the ongoing military operation, Epic Fury, against Iran, which has been underway for the past month. He stated that the primary strategic objectives of the operation are nearing completion and promised significant military action in the coming weeks.
In a televised address from the White House, Trump reported that U.S. forces have successfully dismantled Iran’s naval fleet, destroyed its air capabilities, eliminated many leaders of the Iranian regime, and significantly restricted Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones.
“Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suffered such clear and devastating losses in just a few weeks,” Trump remarked.
The president reiterated that the main strategic goals of Operation Epic Fury are close to being fulfilled, while emphasizing that the U.S. will deliver a strong response in the next two to three weeks, aiming to revert Iran to a state of severe limitation.
Regarding the regime change in Iran, Trump noted that previous leaders have been killed and characterized the new leadership as “less radical and more reasonable.” He recalled that in June 2025, the U.S. conducted strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer using B-2 bombers, but claimed that the Iranian regime attempted to revive its nuclear program elsewhere, prompting the initiation of Operation Epic Fury.
“They were the bully of the Middle East, but they will no longer be,” he added.
Trump warned of potential further escalation if Iran does not agree to a deal, stating that the U.S. would target all of Iran’s power plants if negotiations fail. He also mentioned that while the U.S. has not yet attacked Iranian oil infrastructure, such actions remain a possibility.
The president expressed gratitude to allies including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, promising their protection. He urged nations dependent on oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure their own security and to purchase oil from the U.S.
In addressing rising gasoline prices in the U.S., Trump attributed the increase to Iranian attacks on commercial oil tankers, assuring that prices would decrease following the resolution of the conflict.
At the beginning of his address, Trump congratulated NASA on the successful launch of the Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years. He also referenced the operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, stating that the U.S. and Venezuela are now jointly extracting and selling oil and gas.
Military Operation by Israel and the U.S. Against Iran
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on the Iranian capital, Tehran. Following this, President Trump declared that U.S. military forces had commenced a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused the Iranian government of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine, stating that the operation’s purpose is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and navy, thereby preventing global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In response to the U.S. military operation against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure the safety of all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC declared the commencement of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of the military operation against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change in Iranian leadership, indicating he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.”
On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
On March 26, President Trump announced a suspension of attacks on Iranian energy facilities until April 6, explaining that this decision was made at the request of the Iranian government while negotiations continue.
President Trump provided an update on Operation Epic Fury, detailing significant military successes against Iran and warning of further escalation if negotiations fail. He emphasized the strategic objectives of the operation are nearing completion while addressing the implications for regional security and U.S. allies.