Trump Defends Operation Epic Fury Despite 13 Dead Soldiers, Rising Gas Costs
President Trump tells Fox News that military action against Iran remains necessary to prevent nuclear weapons despite 13 American deaths and soaring oil prices.
President Trump defended Operation Epic Fury against Iran during a Fox News interview from Beijing last week, acknowledging the loss of 13 American soldiers and rising gas prices but insisting the military campaign remains necessary to prevent religious fanatics from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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Speaking with Bret Baier, Trump expressed regret over the casualties while maintaining that "the war is a necessary evil as wars often are." The president also acknowledged Americans feeling pain at the pump as oil prices surge from $60-70 per barrel to $100 and higher, but stated plainly that Operation Epic Fury had to be undertaken.
Nuclear Threat Drives Military Action
Trump cited Iran's nuclear ambitions as the driving force behind the military strikes, describing the regime's original leadership and their replacements as "crazy," "lunatics," and religious fanatics who don't make good negotiating partners. The president noted he has attempted negotiations with Iran at least four times without success.
The president contrasted his approach with former President Obama's Iran nuclear deal, criticizing the JCPOA as "absurd" and "loophole riddled." Trump specifically faulted Obama's agreement for failing to address Iran's ballistic missile program or its support of terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, noting that Iran has already hit 14 different countries with ballistic missiles.
Religious fanatics can't have nukes. Period.
Trump argued that unlike Obama, he will not allow such leadership to acquire nuclear weapons, stating they would have used them against Israel and throughout the Middle East. As Insider Wire previously reported, tensions with Iran have escalated despite earlier diplomatic efforts.
Economic Impact Spreads Nationwide
The human and economic costs of the operation continue mounting. Beyond the 13 killed soldiers and scores more seriously wounded, Americans face immediate price shocks on gas and oil-dependent goods. Trump acknowledged this burden while defending the military necessity of preventing Iranian nuclear capability.
The president drew comparisons to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, noting that previous conflicts ran up enormous deficits without asking average citizens to sacrifice through drafts, rationing, or higher taxes. No war bonds were offered during those decade-long campaigns, which ended in what Trump characterized as "a stalemate of sorts."
Military operations could resume as tensions remain high, potentially driving casualty counts and energy costs even higher. Americans should prepare for sustained economic impact as the administration prioritizes preventing Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition over short-term financial relief.
