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President Donald Trump on Saturday encouraged the Iranian people to rise up against their government after the United States and Israel launched “major combat operations” against targets in Iran.
The Pentagon said the joint operation, named Operation Epic Fury, began shortly after 9 a.m. local time. In video remarks posted to Truth Social, President Trump addressed Iranians and urged them to “seize control of [their] destiny” once military operations conclude.
“The hour of your freedom is at hand,” President Trump said. “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
He called the operation a defense of U.S. national security interests, saying it was intended to eliminate “imminent threats” posed by what he called a “vicious” regime. The president acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, describing the mission as “noble” and aimed at preventing what he characterized as a radical dictatorship from destabilizing the Middle East.
“It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon,” President Trump said. “They can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Smoke was seen rising over parts of Tehran following reported explosions, according to images circulated by multiple media outlets. Iranian authorities have not released detailed information about casualties or the extent of the damage.
President Trump also called on members of Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to lay down their weapons, offering immunity to those who comply and warning of “certain death” for those who resist.
The strikes followed weeks of escalating tensions and stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. President Trump had recently said he was considering further military action if talks failed, and earlier imposed a deadline for Tehran to reach an agreement.
Iranian officials have previously condemned U.S. sanctions and military threats, while U.S. officials maintain that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a core national security objective.
