Trump Claims US Destroyed Iran's Military, Vows to Strike Nuclear Sites

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement from Washington, asserting that while the United States has "destroyed the majority of Iran's military capabilities," it must still "resolve" one or two critical targets, including a suspected nuclear facility known as "Gao Shan." The remarks come as tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated, underscoring the United States' continued concern over Iran's nuclear program. During the address, Trump pointed out that Iran has repeatedly violated international nuclear agreements over the past decade and has continued to develop nuclear weapons through various means, posing a long-term threat to the United States and its allies.

"Gao Shan" is regarded by multiple international intelligence and analysis agencies as a core component of Iran's nuclear program. Reports indicate that the facility may be involved in advanced stages of uranium enrichment. U.S. Defense Department officials and intelligence personnel have repeatedly warned that if Iran acquires sufficiently enriched uranium, it could manufacture a nuclear weapon in a short period. Trump's comments coincide with the U.S. resumption of economic sanctions against Iran and increased surveillance of its military bases, intended to convey the message that the United States will not tolerate Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Relations between the United States and Iran have been fraught with conflict since Washington unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. During this period, the U.S. imposed multiple sanctions on Iran, restricting its energy exports and financial transactions, and conducted several airstrikes on Iranian military targets. In response, Iran launched attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Iran and its proxies, with both sides escalating their military deployments. Trump's latest remarks serve as a clear hardline signal to Iran, potentially further heightening regional tensions.

On the international stage, Trump's stance has drawn attention from various parties. The European Union, Russia, and other nations are concerned that U.S. unilateral action could undermine the nuclear non-proliferation regime, thereby affecting global security. Conversely, U.S. allies in the Middle East—Israel and Saudi Arabia—have expressed high concern over the Iranian nuclear threat and expect the United States to take more decisive action on the issue. If the United States intensifies its strikes on facilities such as "Gao Shan," it could provoke more intense retaliation from Iran, potentially leading to a larger-scale conflict.

Overall, Trump's remarks highlight the U.S. determination not to back down on the Iran issue. Although the United States has already applied pressure on Iran through military and economic means, the "resolution" of nuclear facilities requires further action. It remains a focal point of global attention whether the U.S. will resort to more direct military strikes or pursue diplomatic channels to renegotiate. These comments also serve as a reminder to all parties that Iran's nuclear program remains a core challenge to Middle East security, and any developments could have profound implications for the global political landscape. (Source: CNA)