2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 09:24 IST
Trump cited the 2025 US air campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities as a turning point that “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme and prevented the spread of terrorism
US President Donald Trump (Reuters)
President Donald Trump, delivering his 2026 State of the Union address on Wednesday, framed rising tensions with Iran as one of the central national security challenges facing the United States, asserting that previous US military action had significantly weakened Tehran’s capabilities and warning that any future nuclear ambitions would not be tolerated.
Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump cited the 2025 US air campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities—known as Operation Midnight Hammer—as a turning point that “obliterated" Iran’s nuclear programme and prevented the spread of terrorism by the regime. He claimed that without that operation, Iran “would have spread terrorism", framing the strikes as both a defensive and stabilising action.
“Had it not been for Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s regime would have spread terrorism. We obliterated their nuclear programme. They are working to make missiles that will reach USA," Trump said. Drawing a red line, the US President said “we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon".
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
February 25, 2026, 09:24 IST
News world 'Can't Let Them Have Nuclear Weapons': Trump Talks Tough On Iran, Hails Op Midnight Hammer
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