Trump Says Iran Is ‘Standing Down’ After Attack, Announces New Sanctions

From the Grand Foyer of the White House, President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday morning after Iran attacked two bases in Iraq containing U.S. troops, announcing new economic sanctions to be placed on Iran. “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump said.

In addressing the nation, Trump defended the U.S.’s decision to kill Iran’s top General Qassem Soleimani, claiming he was responsible for “some of the absolute worst atrocities. Trump also mentioned that the United States knew Soleimani was planning more attacks on U.S. troops in the region. “We stopped him… He should have been terminated long ago,” he said.

New sanctions on Iran were announced with no specifics into how or when they will be placed, only saying that, “These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior.”

He continued to talk about the nuclear deal signed under President Barack Obama’s presidency, calling it “failed” and “foolish,” and called on the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to also break away from the deal. Trump said that the money given to the Iranians under the terms of the treaty was used to attack U.S. forces in the region, adding, “Instead of saying,’Thank you, America.’ they chanted, ‘Death to America.’ ”

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Trump urged NATO allies to take a larger role in the Middle East while also boasting the United States’ economic and military advantage, threatening, “We do not want to use it.” 

The President continued by addressing Iran’s leaders specifically, stating, “For far too long, all the way back to 1979 to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond… Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not continue any longer.”

He concluded the address with a message of hope. “We want you to have a future – one that you deserve – one of prosperity and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”