successfully executed a flawless precision strike that killed the number one terrorist

anywhere in the world.

Qassem Suleimani.

Suleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats

and military personnel.

But we caught him in the act and terminated him.

The recent attacks on US targets in Iraq, including rocket strikes that killed

an American and injured four American servicemen very badly.

As well as a violent assault on our embassy in Baghdad were carried out

at the direction of Suleimani.

Suleimani has been perpetrating acts of terror to destabilise the Middle East

for the last 20 years.

What the United States did yesterday should have been done long ago.

We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war.

I have deep respect for the Iranian people.

They are a remarkable people with an incredible heritage and unlimited potential.

We do not seek regime change, however, the Iranian regime's aggression in the region,

including the use of proxy fighters to destabilise its neighbours, must end

and it must end now.

We have the best intelligence in the world.

If Americans anywhere are threatened, we have all of those targets already

fully identified and I am ready and prepared to take whatever action is necessary.

And that in particular refers to Iran.

Under my leadership, we have destroyed the ISIS territorial caliphate.

And recently, American special operations forces killed the terrorist leader

known as al Baghdadi.

The world is a safer place without these monsters.