WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has commenced “major combat operations” inside Iran, cautioning that American service members could be harmed as the campaign unfolds.
In a video posted on Truth Social and X, Trump said the strikes are focused on dismantling Iran’s missile infrastructure and crippling its naval forces.
“I do not make this statement lightly. The Iranian regime seeks to kill,” he said, acknowledging that military action carries risks but describing the mission as necessary for America’s long-term security.
Call for surrender to Iranian forces
Addressing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with Iran’s broader armed forces and police, Trump urged them to surrender.
He promised “complete immunity” to those who lay down their weapons, warning that refusal would result in “certain death.”
The president noted that Washington had engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme in recent weeks, including talks held Thursday that failed to produce an agreement.
“Iran refused, just as it has for decades,” Trump said, adding that Tehran had rejected every opportunity to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Accusations over regional violence
Trump accused Iran and its allied groups of repeatedly targeting US forces and commercial vessels throughout the Middle East.
He alleged that from Lebanon and Yemen to Syria and Iraq, Tehran has armed and financed militias responsible for bloodshed and instability.
The president also referenced the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, claiming American citizens were among those killed and taken hostage.
Describing Iran as the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Trump reiterated that his administration’s policy is clear: Iran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
Reference to earlier strikes
Trump cited a previous US operation, “Operation Midnight Hammer,” claiming it had heavily damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
He said Iran later attempted to revive its nuclear programme and continue developing long-range missiles capable of threatening US allies and potentially the American homeland.
Ongoing military campaign
The president described the current offensive as a “large-scale and continuing operation” designed to prevent what he called a radical regime from endangering US national security.
“We will destroy their missile capabilities and eliminate their naval power,” Trump said, adding that the US would also work to prevent Iranian-backed groups from destabilising the region or attacking American troops.
Appeal to the Iranian public
In a message directed at the Iranian people, Trump said their “moment of freedom” had arrived, urging them to remain indoors due to the danger posed by ongoing strikes.
“When this is over, take control of your government,” he said, describing the situation as a rare opportunity for change.
He concluded by stating that the United States stands with the Iranian people “with overwhelming strength,” encouraging them to shape what he called a more prosperous future.
