NPN

The ceasefire between the US and Iran in the Middle East has ended. Both nations have once again intensified attacks on each other's positions. The US struck Iran for the third consecutive night, targeting the ports of Bandar Abbas, Konarak, and Chabahar. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, declaring the US and himself the "Guardians of the Strait of Hormuz," stated that the US would assume responsibility for the security of the Strait and that every cargo shipment would be subject to a 20% tax. Trump also held a press conference, sharing key details regarding the attacks on Iran. **"We have devastated Iran's military" – Trump** US President Donald Trump said, "I think everything is moving very fast. We have devastated Iran's military; we are launching massive attacks against them. Just yesterday or the day before, we had a deal; everything was settled. Then, they immediately broke the deal because they found something in it they didn't like. Their mindset is different, and we will not tolerate it. We are simply moving forward. We are attacking them tonight and eliminating all their capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz." **"52,000 protesters have been killed" – Trump** Trump said, "Ultimately, we will bring the entire situation under control. What Iran is doing is incredibly foolish and stupid, and they have treated people very badly. By our estimates, 52,000 protesters have been killed so far; the number could be even higher. It is truly a horrific situation. We will bring it under control soon. We had a deal just two days ago, and then they said, 'Oh, we can't go through with that deal; we need to negotiate further.' They have been doing this for 47 years. The difference is that no one negotiates the way I do." "To be honest, they have been swindling everyone and causing immense damage for 47 years. They killed 52,000 protesters." We are reimposing a blockade – Trump Trump said, "Tonight, we are launching a massive attack on Iran. We have a vast amount of ammunition. We are striking them hard, and this will continue; we shall see what happens. We are destroying their entire offensive capability." Trump further stated, "The US controls the Strait of Hormuz. We are reimposing a blockade. This blockade applies specifically to Iran. In other words, anyone trading with Iran cannot pass through here." It is a military skirmish – Trump Trump said, "We have been engaged with Iran for four months. We destroyed their navy in a single month. We also destroyed their air force. We destroyed most of Iran's missiles and drones. We wiped out about 92% of their drone manufacturing capability and 89% of their missile manufacturing capacity. They have a little bit of capability left, but compared to us, they have none. It is essentially a military skirmish. Four months ago, Iran possessed a formidable military—the most powerful in the Middle East. They were known as the bullies of the Middle East. Now, they have no navy. They had 159 underwater vessels and 230 attack aircraft; all of them have been destroyed. They had excellent radar systems; those too have been destroyed. Sadly, their leadership has also been eliminated. All their first- and second-tier leaders are dead. As for the third-tier leaders we are dealing with—some of them are practically dead already." Iran would have obtained a nuclear bomb – Trump Trump said, "We have drastically reduced their capabilities. However, they will continue to fight for some time." Our military has done an excellent job. Iran will not possess nuclear weapons. Had we not bombed them with B-2 bombers, they would have acquired nuclear weapons long ago. If they had nuclear weapons, Israel and the Middle East might not exist today. We just saw them launch missiles into five different countries. We didn't even realize they were involved because they are completely unhinged; we will not tolerate this.