In a striking moment during his State of the Union Address, President Trump warned that Iran is developing missile technology with the potential to reach American soil. The declaration raised the stakes in an already fraught relationship and signalled that the US views the Iranian threat as no longer confined to the Middle East.
Trump laid out a grim picture of Iranian ambitions, saying Tehran is pursuing both nuclear and missile development with renewed intensity. He claimed Iranian missiles can already strike Europe and US overseas bases, and that longer-range capabilities are in the works.
Despite the alarming assessment, Trump framed his response in terms of both strength and diplomacy. Two rounds of nuclear talks have already been held this month, he revealed, and he said Iran appears willing to negotiate. However, the deal must include Tehran’s unconditional renunciation of nuclear weapons.
The president revisited last year’s US military strike on Iran, which he called Operation Midnight Hammer. Trump described the operation as a successful effort to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, but expressed frustration that Iran appears to be starting over despite the strike and subsequent warnings.
Trump’s address struck a tone that was hawkish but not reckless. He positioned himself as a leader willing to pursue peace but fully prepared to use force if necessary, warning Iran that the United States will never allow the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to obtain a nuclear weapon.