Trump: Iran must stop pursuing nuclear weapons, spreading terror and destruction

In his annual address, Donald Trump, while once again calling Qassem Soleimani "the world's top terrorist," said that the Iranian government "must stop pursuing nuclear weapons and promoting terror," but added, "We can help them make very good progress."

Part of the US President's annual State of the Union address dealt with the US operation to kill the commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, as well as Iran.

In this speech on the morning of February 6, Mr. Trump said, “Qassem Soleimani was the most ruthless butcher of the Iranian regime; a demon who killed or wounded thousands of American soldiers in Iraq. As the world’s top terrorist, Soleimani presided over the deaths of countless men, women, and children. He led the fight against American forces in Iraq in December and was actively planning new attacks.”

He then added, explaining the operation the US military carried out near Baghdad airport, "That is why last month, on my orders, the US military carried out a flawless strike that took Soleimani's life and ended his vicious reign of terror."

Donald Trump then emphasized, "Our message to terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice, and if you attack our citizens, you have wasted your lives."

The US military's attack on Qassem Soleimani, as well as the deputy head of the Popular Mobilization Forces and their companions near Baghdad airport led to a chain of reactions and events.

In "revenge," the Islamic Republic launched a missile attack on two bases used by the United States in Iraq, which caused no casualties among American forces, although it did result in mild brain injuries among dozens of them.

The same day, the IRGC’s air defenses shot down a passenger plane with two missiles, killing 176 people, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. Three days after the cover-up, the IRGC finally admitted that the attack had been “due to human error.” This triggered a wave of reactions and criticism, protests, and mourning on the streets of Tehran and other cities.

But in the United States itself, the attack on Qassem Soleimani also sparked reactions.

After the White House provided Congress with a statement on the operation against Soleimani and his companions in Baghdad, Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, described it as "questionable before it is answerable."

However, Trump administration officials, including the Secretary of State, have emphasized that not taking action against Qassem Soleimani was a "greater risk."

Trump: We have witnessed protests by the Iranian people in recent months

In another part of his annual address, Donald Trump said, "In recent months, we have seen proud Iranians cry out against their oppressive rulers. The Iranian regime must stop pursuing nuclear weapons, end its propaganda of terror, death, and destruction, and begin working to improve the lot of its own people."

In recent months, a wave of protests has erupted in Iran, whether following a sudden increase in gasoline prices or the three-day cover-up of the Ukrainian plane crash.

Protests over rising gasoline prices have been met with a nationwide internet shutdown and heavy clashes by security forces. Although Tehran has refused to release a death toll, media and international organizations say between 300 and 1,500 people have died.

The US President added, "Because of our strong sanctions, the Iranian economy is in a very bad shape. We can help them make very good progress in a short time, but maybe they are too arrogant or too stupid to ask for that help."

Mr. Trump then stated, “Here we are. Let’s see what path they take. It’s entirely up to them.”

The Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama in May of last year and imposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran. The other parties to the nuclear deal remain in it.

The Islamic Republic has described the US withdrawal as a “violation of international obligations” by Washington, while the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, the main decision-maker, has also ruled out direct negotiations with the US. Ali Khamenei had earlier said in a speech, “We will not negotiate, nor will there be war.”

The State of the Union is an annual speech delivered by the President of the United States. According to the United States Constitution, the President “shall from time to time present to the Congress information on the state of the State of the Union, and propose to their consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary and expedient.”

In this speech, which lasted more than an hour, Trump defended his administration's actions and performance in various areas, including the economic situation, approach to immigration, and other issues.

Source: Radio Farda