President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that major combat operations were underway in Iran after U.S. and Israeli forces struck several Iranian military targets as part of Operation Epic Fury.
He posted a video statement at approximately 2:30 a.m. Eastern Time outlining the operation’s objectives and urging Iranian citizens to overthrow their government once the strikes conclude.
Operation objectives
In the video, Trump said the goal is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime.
He described the regime as a vicious group whose menacing activities directly threaten the United States, U.S. troops overseas, and American allies.
Historical context
The president recounted past attacks tied to Iran and its proxies, citing the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran, the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, and the 2000 USS Cole attack.
He also referenced ongoing attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq as part of a long campaign of violence by the regime.
Nuclear threat and failed negotiations
Trump reiterated that his administration will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
He said negotiations on a possible nuclear deal — under which Iran would be forced to give up enriched uranium and accept international monitoring — were pursued during the week but ultimately fell through.
He referenced Operation Midnight Hammer last June, saying it destroyed the regime’s nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Costs and resolve
The president acknowledged the strikes carry risks, including potential U.S. casualties, and indicated the military action could last several days.
He praised the strength of the U.S. Armed Forces, saying his administration rebuilt the military and that no other force approaches its power, strength, or sophistication.
He emphasized that steps were taken to minimize risk to U.S. personnel while warning the Iranian regime seeks to kill.
Appeals and orders
Trump offered prayers for American service members and asked citizens to pray for their safety.
He urged members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons, offering complete immunity or the alternative of facing certain death.
He appealed directly to the Iranian people, telling them to shelter in place because bombs would be dropping and urging them to take over their government when the strikes end.
