Former US President Donald Trump accused Iran on Tuesday of developing weapons capable of striking the United States, while stressing in a wide-ranging speech to Congress that he prefers a diplomatic approach to resolving the dispute.
Trump claimed that the Islamic Republic “already possesses missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases” and is working to produce missiles that could soon reach the US.
Military build-up in the Middle East
The Republican leader noted that Washington has deployed the largest American air and naval force to the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War as a precautionary measure.
He warned Tehran against attempting to rebuild its military programmes, particularly its nuclear capabilities, despite decades of Iranian denials regarding any military intent in its nuclear energy programme.
Diplomatic preference remains
Trump stated that Iran continues to pursue “malicious ambitions” but reaffirmed that his preference remains resolving the dispute through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
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