Europe Asia News

Highlights from US President Trump's speech are as follows:

"We struck more than 7,000 targets. They do not have many missiles left. Likewise, we hit the facilities where they manufacture these missiles and drones, and we will continue to strike them.

Today we struck three facilities, and it will be much harder for Iran to manufacture new missiles and drones. We also attacked many Iranian naval units; more than 100 vessels belonging to the Iranian navy were hit. That should be a record. The attacks continue every hour. We struck Kharg Island and literally destroyed everything on the island.

We did not touch the oil facilities or the pipelines, but we could do it within five minutes. At some point this country will need to be rebuilt, which is why we did not strike the oil facilities. But this situation may not continue. With a single word from me, the oil pipelines there could also be destroyed.

We are effectively eliminating Iran's defense industry. Their missile and drone capacity is now close to zero. We also destroyed 30 mine-laying vessels operating or attempting to disrupt trade in the Strait of Hormuz. We are not even sure whether any mines were actually deployed. That is almost suicidal. All 30 mine-laying vessels are at the bottom of the sea, and this has effects on other countries’ economies. We get less than 1 percent of our oil from here; Japan gets about 95 percent and China about 90 percent of its energy through this strait. European countries also receive a great deal of oil from here, and South Korea depends on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. That is why you need to support us regarding the strait.

We have already dealt a major blow to Iran, but actions carried out with a small missile or mine here are limited and risky. Iran used this as an economic weapon, but it will not be able to continue for long. Many countries said they are on the way to help; some are enthusiastic and some are not. We have been helping and protecting some of these countries for years, but they are not that enthusiastic.

There are countries with 45,000 troops, and another country protects them from threats. We are doing a tremendous job. We ask them whether they have mine-sweeping vessels, but some do not want to get involved. We have protected them for 40 years, yet some do not want to be part of it. They do not have much left; they may attempt something small, but most do not want to get involved.

I want the fake news media to be aware of this. I have always criticized the protection of other countries because we protect them and help them when needed, but they do not stand with us. I had predicted that the strait would be weaponized and used as a weapon. I also said a year before it happened that Osama bin Laden would bring down the World Trade Center.

Countries around the world that depend on the Strait of Hormuz are now making calls. These countries obtain 90–95 percent of their energy through this strait, and they should be happy to help us. With our gas project we are currently the largest oil producer in the world and we are increasing production. Our relations with Venezuela are going very well; millions of barrels of oil are being produced and they are helping us. We also get along very well with the new president. Major companies are entering Venezuela and unprecedented figures are being reached in a short time.

Being targeted does not matter because we are facing a paper tiger. Two weeks ago it was not a paper tiger, but now it is. We will now take a few questions; this meeting had been planned for a long time. We have made incredible progress over the past year. We have restored the prestige of this magnificent institute and are working to keep it as one of the world’s greatest art centers.

There had been huge mis-spending; millions of dollars were spent on unused theater halls. Now we plan to rent out these halls, and when we finish everything will be great. I thank Rick Grenell; he has long been a friend and has always done incredible work.

His experience in Germany and his success in intelligence are admirable. He constantly took measures to prevent leaks. I also asked for his support during this transition period. When we first came into office I did not want to do it, but everything had to be changed. Physically it was on the verge of collapse. Steel columns and structures that should have been covered were not properly protected.

Our new Fed chairman will do a great job. We will see what happens thanks to Jerome Powell. There was always a delay in lowering interest rates; now there is a chance to correct that."