Washington DC, July 17 -- US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) claimed that the United States was "winning big" in Iran, saying Americans would see the "fruits" of the ongoing military effort "very, very shortly."

Speaking during a primetime address to the nation focusing on protecting the integrity of US elections and foreign efforts to influence them, Trump briefly highlighted ongoing US military operations abroad, including in Iran.

The President said his administration had "rebuilt" the US military into what he described as the most powerful force in the world.

He added that although he would have preferred not to use it, current circumstances had made military action necessary.

"Unfortunately, we're forced to use it...