Following Saturday night’s military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran: any retaliation will be met with force far greater than what was used in the initial assault.

Speaking to the nation and later posting on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that America’s response would intensify if provoked.

“If Iran retaliates in any way against the United States, we will unleash far more force than what was witnessed tonight,” Trump wrote on the platform, signalling a firm continuation of his administration’s aggressive stance on Iranian nuclear ambitions.

This statement reaffirms Washington’s long-standing policy: if provoked, the United States will escalate its military actions.

Trump has previously made it clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In his national address from the White House, Trump extended his gratitude to both the Israeli military and the US Air Force, praising what he called “one of the greatest operations the world has seen in decades.”

He stated, “I thank the Israeli forces for their excellent coordination, but above all, I salute the brave American patriots who flew those magnificent aircraft tonight. No military in the world could have done what we did tonight.”

He also commended top military officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dane Reason Kane, and other senior strategists who played key roles in planning the attack.

“This mission was meticulously executed,” Trump said.

According to President Trump, the primary objective of Saturday night’s strikes was the total dismantling of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities and the elimination of what he described as “the nuclear threat posed by the world’s largest state sponsor of terror.”

He admitted there was internal debate among his advisors regarding the operation.

On one side were advisers aligned with the “MAGA” movement, who warned against entering another Middle Eastern conflict.

On the other side were hawkish conservatives like Senator Lindsey Graham, who advocated for a military strike. Ultimately, Trump said, his decision was firm: Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

“For 40 years, Iran has chanted ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel,’” Trump said.

“They’ve maimed and killed our people with roadside bombs. We lost over 1,000 Americans, and millions more around the world have suffered due to their hatred.”

Referencing Iran’s top military commander killed in a 2020 US drone strike, Trump added, “General Qassem Soleimani was responsible for countless deaths. I ordered his elimination to prevent future attacks.”

Trump concluded his speech with a message of finality and resolve: “I made the decision long ago that I would never let this happen again. And now — it won’t.”