US President Donald J. Trump has delivered a stark assessment of the ongoing military operations against Iran, describing failed negotiations and claiming preemptive action was necessary to prevent an imminent attack. In recent remarks, Trump referred to Iranian leadership as “these lunatics” and asserted that the US and allies have significantly degraded Iran’s military infrastructure.
The president’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with joint US-Israeli strikes under “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iranian facilities. Trump emphasized the decisive impact of these actions on Iran’s defenses and missile arsenal.
During interactions with reporters, President Trump explained his rationale for the military campaign: “We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first… If we didn’t do it, they were going to attack first. I felt strongly about that.”
He suggested that proactive measures may have influenced Israel’s readiness, stating he “might have forced their hand,” but insisted both nations were prepared.
Trump highlighted the operational success: “We’ve had a very powerful impact because virtually everything they have has been knocked out now. Their missile count is going way down.”
He further noted Iran’s loss of critical capabilities: “They no longer have air protection. They no longer have any detection facilities at all. They’re gonna be in for a lot of hurt. These are bad people…”
The president also addressed Iran’s recent actions, claiming they are “hitting countries that were neutral” and have long coexisted peacefully, now turning regional actors against them.