President Donald Trump announced that the United States has initiated a “major military operation” against Iran, aimed at addressing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. This declaration was made via a video posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“The U.S. Armed Forces have commenced extensive combat operations against Iran. Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime—a brutal group of very dangerous individuals. Their activities directly threaten the United States, our military, overseas bases, and allies worldwide,” Trump stated.
In his remarks, Trump accused Iran of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine.
“Iran is the number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world and has recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the streets during protests. The U.S. policy, including that of my administration, has always been clear: this terrorist regime must never possess nuclear weapons,” he added.
According to Trump, the objective of the U.S. military operation is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and navy, ensuring that Iran cannot destabilize the world. “We guarantee that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons,” he asserted.
Trump urged the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s primary military force, to surrender, promising them “full immunity” in exchange. He warned that failure to comply would result in their “destruction.”
“To the great and proud people of Iran: your hour of freedom has come. Stay indoors, as it is dangerous outside—bombs will be falling everywhere. When we finish, you will be able to take power into your own hands. This is likely your only chance for a generation,” Trump said in his address.
Earlier, Israel had begun bombing operations in Tehran, which received support from U.S. military forces.
Background on US-Iran Tensions
Indirect negotiations between the two nations last year yielded no results, primarily due to the U.S. demand for Iran to completely cease uranium enrichment on its territory. Tehran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
According to CBS News, citing its sources, President Trump held a national security meeting regarding a potential military operation against Iran.
Subsequently, the President indicated that “very bad things could happen” if Iran does not reach an agreement with the United States regarding its nuclear program and fully abandon uranium enrichment.
On February 3, U.S. military forces shot down an Iranian drone that had “aggressively approached” the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. On the same day, Revolutionary Guard boats threatened to seize an American tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 6, U.S. authorities urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately due to deteriorating security conditions in the country.
Tehran has warned the United Nations that it will attack American bases if the U.S. strikes Iran.
President Trump has declared a military operation against Iran, citing threats from the regime. The move follows escalating tensions and accusations of Iranian support for terrorism.