Trump Prepares National Address on Iran Conflict as Military Strikes Continue

On the 34th day of the U.S.-Iran conflict, President Donald Trump is set to deliver a televised address tonight at 9 p.m. ET. The President is expected to defend 'Operation Epic Fury' while outlining a strategy for a potential U.S. military withdrawal within the next two to three weeks. This comes as Trump expresses frustration with NATO allies, indicating he is considering a U.S. exit from the alliance following their refusal to participate in the campaign against Iran. On the ground, military activity remains intense. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the targeted killing of Mahdi Vafaei, a high-ranking IRGC engineering officer, in Mahallat, Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched at least 10 missiles at Israel during Passover Seder preparations; no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, U.S. officials confirmed that 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost since joint U.S.-Israeli operations began on February 28. Diplomatically, Tehran has dismissed current U.S. ceasefire proposals as 'maximalist and irrational.' In a letter addressed to the American public, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that Iran is not a threat and harbors no enmity toward U.S. citizens. Domestically, President Trump faces significant pressure, with recent polling suggesting two-thirds of the American public favor an immediate end to military operations.