Update (1130ET): After beginning his address 25 minutes late, President Trump, flanked by top military officials, began with a stark message:
"As long as I'm president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon."
Trump added that the world community has tolerated Iran’s "destabilizing behavior" since 1979 (the year of the Iranian hostage crisis) and argued that through the killing of Soleimani, he is changing things:
“Soleimani’s hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago. By removing Soleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists.”
Trump made it clear that US doesn't need anything from Iran:
“We are independent and we do not need Middle East oil,”
Additionally, Trump jabbed the Obama administration, urging the United Kingdom, Germany and France to end their participation in the the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA:
"The missiles fired at us" were paid for by the funds "made available by the last administration."
While no further military actions were signaled:
"We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression."
But, noted that NATO will be engaged more...
“Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process,”
And finally, Trump noted that further sanctions will be invoked on Iran.
Trump ends on a grace note, calling for peace.
"To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve. One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it."
Stocks are roaring back higher after this - Dow futures up over 600 points from the overnight lows...
BREAKING: There were no American casualties from last night’s Iranian missile strikes that targeted two airbases in Iraq that host U.S. troops, sources tell me.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 8, 2020
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