Trump launches 'major combat operations' in Iran, urges regime change

US President Donald Trump confirmed the initiation of "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, as explosions were reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities. In a video statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump framed the offensive as a defensive measure to protect American interests. "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," he declared, citing decades of hostile actions by Tehran against US forces and allies.

Campaign targets military infrastructure

The president outlined an extensive military agenda, promising to dismantle key components of Iran's defense apparatus. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated," Trump stated, emphasizing that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a core objective. He referenced Operation Midnight Hammer from the previous June, which targeted nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, suggesting the current campaign builds upon those earlier strikes. The Department of War later identified the operation on X under the codename "OPERATION EPIC FURY."

Direct appeal to Iranian public

In an extraordinary segment of his address, Trump directly addressed the Iranian people, encouraging them to seize the moment for political change. "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 warned, adding: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." He also called upon members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, armed forces, and police to surrender their weapons, offering immunity to those who comply while warning of "certain death" for those who resist.

Historical grievances cited

Trump justified the offensive by recounting a series of attacks attributed to Iran and its proxies over several decades. He specifically mentioned the 1979 US Embassy takeover in Tehran, the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing that killed 241 Americans, and the 2000 USS Cole attack. "Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq," he continued, asserting that Tehran's influence extends through militant groups from Lebanon to Yemen. "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."

Diplomatic context overshadowed

The military escalation comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Oman, with the most recent round of nuclear talks concluding in Geneva just days earlier. Trump acknowledged previous attempts at negotiation but claimed Tehran has consistently rejected opportunities to abandon its nuclear ambitions. The president warned that Iran's long-range missile development now threatens European allies, overseas US troops, and could eventually reach the American homeland. As the situation develops, regional powers including Türkiye are watching closely, concerned about the potential for wider destabilization across the Middle East.