Donald Trump has confirmed the US launched « major combat operations » in a coordinated attack against Iran in an eight-minute video on Truth Social this morning. Wearing a hat emblazoned with ‘USA’, he posted the speech at 7.30am UK time, after explosions were heard across downtown Tehran this morning. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it launched a “pre-emptive attack” in Iran.
In an analysis of his speech, body language expert Judi James said his clothing and stance were intended to convey a youthful, strong image as he announced the coordinated attack. She said: « Trump’s hat might look unserious and his choice of an open-neck shirt appears casual, but there are several hints that he has opted for a look that implies youthfulness, energy, strength and intent here. »
Ms James added: « The hat is pulled low so that his eyes, which have looked tired of late, are hidden by the shadow. His cheeks look sunburned and gleaming and his hands grip the sides of the lectern to create a body splay.
« His torso bristles in indignation and when he says the word ‘Iranian’ he bites the word as though already on the attack while the word ‘vicious’ is delivered with a sneer of distaste. »
In the eight-minute bombshell video, Mr Trump said: « Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats by the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. »
He added: « The United States is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this wicked radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national interests.
« We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. »
Ms James said the speech appeared to be « designed as a call to arms and a threat to enemies rather than an update for the people of the US ». She said the framing of the video added to this, with a dark background that looked « serious and threatening. »
During the speech, Trump threw his arms out to the sides as he said, « we can’t take it any more », after stating that Iran « rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions ».
Ms James said this was a gesture of exasperation, adding: « When he says he will ‘not put up with it any longer’ there is a vocal growl to suggest the tone of a battle leader and he uses repetition to hammer home his key message about nuclear weapons. »
The US President said that his main concern was « freedom » for the Iranian people, and that the US was working to make Iran « safe ». In the speech, he urged Iranians to rise up against their government.
She concluded: « The end of the speech is aimed at achieving a ‘lay down your arms’ of submission and this all comes delivered in more of a shout to imply power and strength. »
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