Trump Announces “Major Combat Operations” in Iran as U.S. and Israel Launch Expansive Military Offensive

BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces have begun what he described as “major combat operations in Iran,” confirming that the United States has joined Israel in a broad military assault targeting the Iranian regime’s strategic capabilities.

In an eight-minute video address posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that the objective of the operation is to defend the American people by eliminating what he characterized as imminent threats posed by Tehran. He accused Iran’s leadership of pursuing nuclear weapons and advancing long-range missile systems capable of striking U.S. allies — and eventually the American homeland — and said Washington would no longer tolerate what he described as decades of aggression.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

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The president portrayed the campaign as the culmination of years of escalating tensions, citing Iran’s backing of militant groups across the Middle East, attacks on U.S. forces, and past assaults linked to Iranian proxies. He referenced the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, and attacks on American service members in Iraq. He also blamed Iranian-supported groups for more recent assaults on U.S. troops and maritime targets in the region.

Trump asserted that Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and accused it of brutally suppressing domestic protests. He reiterated a longstanding U.S. position that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, repeating the phrase for emphasis and framing the new offensive as essential to enforcing that red line.

The president referenced a prior U.S. operation last year — which he said severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — and claimed Tehran had since attempted to rebuild its capabilities. He accused Iranian leaders of rejecting diplomatic opportunities and continuing to advance missile development that could threaten Europe and U.S. forces stationed overseas.

“For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation,” Trump said, adding that the campaign would target missile production facilities, naval assets and networks supporting Iranian-backed militias.

He pledged to “destroy their missiles,” dismantle their missile industry and neutralize naval forces he said pose risks to international shipping and American personnel. He also vowed to ensure that Iranian-backed groups across the region would no longer be able to destabilize neighboring states or conduct attacks using improvised explosive devices.

While emphasizing American military superiority, Trump acknowledged the risks involved. He cautioned that U.S. service members could be killed or injured during the conflict, noting that casualties are an inherent possibility in warfare. He said his administration had taken steps to reduce risks to American personnel in the region but warned that Iran’s leadership may attempt retaliatory strikes.

In a direct appeal to members of Iran’s security forces — including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the armed forces and police — Trump urged them to lay down their weapons, offering what he described as complete immunity in exchange for nonresistance. He warned that refusal would result in severe consequences.

The most striking portion of the address was directed at the Iranian public. Trump urged civilians to remain indoors during the bombardment and then called on them to overthrow their government once military operations conclude.

“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he said, characterizing the moment as a rare opportunity for generational change.

The speech signaled that Washington’s objectives extend beyond military containment of nuclear capabilities to potentially reshaping Iran’s political order. By framing the campaign as both a defensive action and a catalyst for internal change, the president positioned the United States as backing what he described as the Iranian people’s aspirations.

The joint U.S.-Israeli offensive marks one of the most consequential escalations in decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran. Military analysts warn that Iran retains significant retaliatory capabilities, including missile forces and regional proxy networks capable of targeting U.S. troops, allies and commercial shipping.

As air and missile operations continue, regional governments remain on high alert amid concerns the conflict could expand beyond Iran’s borders. Diplomatic channels appear largely sidelined for now, replaced by a rapidly unfolding military confrontation that could reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East.

Trump concluded his address by expressing confidence in the strength and preparedness of the U.S. Armed Forces, invoking divine protection for service members and reiterating his administration’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons under any circumstances.