President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces will “finish the job” in Iran soon, as “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.” He delivered a full-throated defense of the war Wednesday night in his first national address since the conflict began over a month ago.

Defense of War Strategy

Trump used the address to articulate objectives for the war after weeks of inconsistent messaging regarding potential escalation or withdrawal. Despite this, he largely reiterated points made in recent weeks, suggesting the U.S. is close to achieving its major military objectives in Iran.

Nuclear Weapons Concerns

“For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if you’re not willing to take action when the time comes,” Trump stated. He claimed U.S. armed forces have achieved “swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield” and asserted he is correcting mistakes made by previous administrations.

Economic Impact and Troop Deployment

The president acknowledged rising oil prices and volatile financial markets, but insisted these would be temporary. Polling data indicates many Americans believe the U.S. military has gone too far in Iran, even as more American troops are deployed to the region for a potential ground offensive.

Oil and Regional Security

Trump briefly mentioned the possibility of seizing Iranian oil, but acknowledged potential domestic resistance. He also discussed the security of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting South Korea, Japan, and China could take responsibility for securing the vital waterway. He stated, “Let South Korea do it…Let Japan do it…Let China do it.”

Diplomatic Efforts and Iranian Response

Trump claimed Iran’s “New Regime President” sought a ceasefire, a claim Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called “false and baseless.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled Tehran’s willingness to continue fighting, stating, “You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines.”

Appeals for De-escalation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted a letter in English on X, appealing to U.S. citizens and questioning which American interests are served by the war. U.S. officials have reportedly provided assurances that Iranian officials Araghchi and the Parliamentary Speaker would not be targeted, in an effort to potentially open diplomatic channels.

Hours before Trump’s address, Iranian missile fire targeted Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The conflict continues, with both sides signaling a willingness to escalate or negotiate, creating a complex and uncertain situation.