Iran’s military issued a stern warning on Thursday, vowing to deliver devastating attacks on the United States following President Trump’s declaration of Operation Epic Fury as a resounding triumph during a national address.
In response to President Trump’s assertion that he would bomb Iran back to the Stone Age, referring to the nation as “fanatical” and the “most violent and thuggish regime on Earth,” Tehran fired back with a vehement statement.
Khatam Al-Anbiya, the operational command of the Iranian military, proclaimed on state television, “With faith in almighty God, this conflict will persist until you face humiliation, disgrace, perpetual regret, and eventual surrender.”
The statement continued with a forewarning: “Prepare for our even more crushing, expansive, and devastating actions.”
During his primetime speech, Trump praised the Armed Forces for their “swift and decisive” victories on the battlefield, asserting that Tehran’s assets were decimated and much of its leadership had been eliminated.
“Tonight, Iran’s Navy is obliterated. Their Air Force lies in ruins. Most of their leaders—those who spearheaded the terrorist regime—are dead,” he declared.
“Their command and control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is being decimated as we speak.
“Their ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed and their weapons, factories, and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces — very few of them left.
“Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suffered such clear and devastating large-scale losses in a matter of weeks.”
Despite claiming Tehran was “really no longer a threat,” Trump warned the bombardment would continue.
“We’re going to hit them extremely hard. Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong,” he declared.
After alluding to cease-fire talks, Trump threatened to knock out Iran’s network of electricity-generating plants if there is no agreement.
Trump also tried to convince Americans skeptical about the war effort by branding the operation an “investment” amid a backdrop of poor polling and rising fuel prices.
“This is a true investment in your children and your grandchildren’s future,” he said.
Trump also warned that it was important to keep the conflict in perspective compared to previous conflicts.
“American involvement in World War I lasted one year, seven months and five days. World War Two lasted for 3 years, 8 months and 25 days,” he said.
“The Korean War lasted for 3 years, one month and two days. The Vietnam War lasted for 19 years, five months and 29 days. Iraq went on for 8 years, eight months and 28 days.
Polls have consistently shown that most Americans disapprove of the war effort – and there is skepticism among the US’ allies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Trump to provide more clarity when it came to the US’ objectives.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended NATO after Trump said he was “strongly considering” pulling Washington out of the defense pact over Iran.
