PRESIDENT Donald Trump declared the United States military engaged in major combat operations in Iran, and vowed to eliminate those who “endanger” the country and its allies.
In a video statement posted to Truth Social, Trump vowed to destroy Iran's missile programme and navy, and ensure that the country can "never" have a nuclear weapon.
He called on Tehran's forces to surrender or face "certain death."
"The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war," Trump said. "But we're doing this not for now — we're doing this for the future. And it's a noble mission."
Trump also called for Iranian citizens to "seize control" in the aftermath of the US operations.
"When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," Trump said in the video statement.
"This will be, probably, your only chance for generations.”
The president described the new military campaign as “massive and ongoing,” defending it was meant to “prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and its core national security interests.”
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump added.
The attack marks the second time that the Trump administration has taken direct military action against Iran.
In June 2025, the US bombed the country's nuclear facilities as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, and Trump said at the time these had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear sites.
In recent weeks, as Trump has issued repeated threats and warnings to Iran, pushing it to make a deal, the US has built up a large military footprint in the Middle East and nearby European waters.
Trump has long threatened to take action against Iran, previously vowing in a January interview with NewsNation that he would wipe the Middle Eastern country “off the face of this Earth” if alleged assassination threats against him were acted on. – February 28, 2026
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