Washington, MINA – US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States military has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, dramatically expanding American involvement in the escalating conflict with the Islamic Republic, Anadolu Agency reported.
In a video posted on his Truth Social account, Trump declared: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
The president cited Iran’s “menacing activities” as directly endangering the United States, its troops, overseas bases, and allies throughout the world. He vowed to destroy Iran’s missiles, raze its missile industry, and annihilate its navy, reiterating that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated,” Trump said.
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Trump referenced a series of historical attacks involving Iran, including the 1979 US embassy takeover in Tehran, the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing that killed 241 Americans, and the 2000 USS Cole attack. He also noted that “Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq.”
“The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as US naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes,” he added.
The president characterized Iran as “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror” and claimed it had recently “killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested.”
Trump referenced Operation Midnight Hammer last June, which he said “obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.” He stated that the US had warned Iran not to resume nuclear efforts while attempting negotiations.
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“They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump said, alleging Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles capable of threatening Europe, US troops overseas, and potentially the American homeland.
In a remarkable address directed at the Iranian people, Trump said: “I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere.”
He urged Iranians to “take over your government” once operations conclude, calling it “probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump also called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards, armed forces, and police to lay down their arms, offering immunity or threatening “certain death.”
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The US Department of War later posted on X that the operation’s code name is “OPERATION EPIC FURY.”
The American strikes coincide with Israeli attacks on Tehran announced earlier Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict with Iran. The developments come amid ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program mediated by Oman, with a new round of negotiations having concluded in Geneva on Thursday.
Trump acknowledged potential American casualties, stating: “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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