Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Combat operations will continue in Iran at “full force” until American “objectives are achieved,” President Donald Trump said during his second address to the nation since Operation Epic Fury commenced.

Trump described the operation as the “largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensive the world has ever seen,” adding that American forces have hit “hundreds of targets in Iran.”

He called Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial strikes, a “wretched and vile man” who had the “blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands.”

The president claims that the “entire” Iranian military command is gone, adding that thousands are offering to surrender. Trump reiterated that he gave the Iranian regime weeks to make a deal, but they declined.

Trump remarked on the announcement from U.S. Central Command Sunday morning that three service members were killed in action as a result of Iranian strikes.

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” said the president.

He warned that “there will likely be more before it ends,” adding that the U.S. will do everything it can to deter further casualties.

“America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically … They have waged war against civilization itself. Our resolve and, likewise, that of Israel, has never been stronger. America is now again the richest, most powerful nation in the world by far. But the only reason we enjoy the quality of life that we do and the freedom and security is we have done things that others are unable to do, but it's because of warriors who are willing to lay down their lives to do battle with our enemies, and they do battle better than anybody,” Trump lamented.

The president repeated concerns over the Iranian regime possessing long-range missiles and nuclear weapons, underscoring the threat to America.

“We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats,” said the president.