In a nationally televised address, President George W. Bush outlined the reasons for the United States' decision to invade Iraq. The focus of his speech was on the perceived threat posed by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and having ties to terrorist organizations. Bush informed the American public that diplomatic efforts had failed, and he asserted that the time for action had arrived. He emphasized the need to disarm Iraq and the support for a new democratic government in the Middle East. The broadcast originated from the White House and reached millions of viewers nationwide, setting the stage for a military campaign that would commence shortly thereafter.

The President's address also framed the invasion within the broader context of the post-9/11 world, where the U.S. sought to act decisively against perceived threats to its national security. He presented the invasion as a necessary step, not only for the safety of the American people but also as a means to deliver freedom to the Iraqi people. The speech not only marked the beginning of the invasion but also served to rally support domestically and internationally for military intervention. While Bush argued that the move was definitive in preventing future attacks, opponents criticized the invasion as unjustified and based on flawed intelligence regarding WMDs.

In the aftermath of the address, military operations commenced with airstrikes targeting key locations in Iraq. This decision ignited widespread discussions regarding the legitimacy of the invasion, leading to protests both in the U.S. and around the world. The ensuing conflict would ultimately reshape U.S. foreign policy and lead to significant changes in Iraq, impacting the Middle East for years to come.