By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would continue attacking Iran for as long as it takes, indicating that an expanding war in the Middle East could continue for weeks or more.
Trump addressed US strikes in Iran at a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington.
In a speech on Monday during a ceremony in the White House, Trump said, at his first public event since U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran began on Saturday. “Right from the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have the capability to go far longer than that. We’ll do it.”
“Our objectives are clear,” said the US leader, indicating that his country aims to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilate its Navy, “ensuring the world’s number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon,” and ensure that “the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside their border.”
Trump insisted that “this was our last best chance to strike” Iran.
Now in its third day, the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran widened further on Monday, as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel, US bases, and Gulf states following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and Israel struck Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks.
Trump recognized three U.S. army soldiers with the Medal of Honor, with two of the commendations being awarded posthumously.
“There’s no ceremony that can be more important than this,” Trump said. Bravery is amazing, You never really know who’s brave and who’s not until they’re tested.”
The Medal of Honor is awarded by U.S. presidents, in the name of Congress, for combat service that goes beyond the call of duty and risks one’s life.
Earlier on Monday, the Pentagon had announced that the US was mobilising forces to the Middle East to support the operation against Iran.
“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it,” said US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.
“This is not Iraq,” Hegseth added. “This is not endless.”
The conflict has resulted in hundreds of casualties. At least 555 people have been killed in Iran, along with four US service members, nine Israeli civilians and three civilians in the United Arab Emirates. China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that one Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran. Dozens have also been reported killed in Lebanon.