United States President, Donald Trump, on Saturday announced a large-scale military operation against Iran.
In a televised address delivered after the United States and Israel began airstrikes on Iranian targets, Trump pledged to dismantle the country’s naval and missile capabilities and called on the Iranian people to rise against their government.
He stated that the objective of the operation was to eliminate what he described as imminent threats posed by Iran’s leadership and to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump accused Iran of decades of hostility toward the United States, referencing past incidents including the 1979 US embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, and other attacks on American personnel and assets in the Middle East. He also blamed Iranian-backed groups for recent assaults on US forces and allies in the region.
The president reiterated that his administration would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, recalling previous US strikes on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He said diplomatic efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions had failed, prompting the current military response.
According to Trump, the ongoing operation aims to destroy Iran’s missile infrastructure, neutralize its naval capacity, and weaken armed groups allied with Tehran. He described the campaign as necessary to safeguard American national security interests and regional stability.
While acknowledging the possibility of US casualties, Trump said the mission was intended to secure long-term safety for Americans and their allies. He expressed confidence in the strength and capability of the US Armed Forces.
The president also addressed members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security services, urging them to lay down their weapons and promising immunity if they comply. He warned of severe consequences for those who continue to resist.
In a direct message to the Iranian public, Trump encouraged citizens to remain indoors during the strikes for their safety. He suggested that once operations conclude, they should take control of their government, describing the moment as a historic opportunity for change.
Concluding his remarks, Trump offered prayers for US service members and called for national unity as the military campaign continues.