US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping American military strikes against Iran, declaring that Washington will “annihilate” the country’s naval forces and dismantle its missile infrastructure.
In a video address posted from his Florida residence on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed that the United States, alongside Israel, had begun bombing Iranian targets.
He framed the operation as both a defensive measure and a decisive effort to cripple Tehran’s military capabilities.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally — again — obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy,” Trump said.
Call for Regime Change
In unusually direct remarks aimed at the Iranian people, Trump urged them to overthrow their government once the military campaign concludes.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he said. “This will be probably your only chance for generations. The hour of your freedom is at hand.”
He also issued a stark warning to members of Iran’s armed forces — including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which safeguards the country’s clerical leadership — urging them to surrender.
“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity — or face certain death,” he said.
Justifying the Assault
Trump said the strikes were intended to eliminate what he described as imminent threats posed by Tehran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” he said, accusing Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme and expand its long-range missile capabilities.
He argued that such weapons could threaten US allies in Europe, American troops stationed abroad, and potentially the US homeland.
Trump also warned Iranian civilians to remain indoors as the operation unfolds.
“Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” he said.
Diplomatic Efforts and Rising Tensions
The strikes follow a significant US military buildup in the Middle East, widely seen as a precursor to possible action. Yet as recently as Friday, Trump had publicly maintained that he had not made a final decision on launching an attack.
Diplomatic efforts had also been underway. On Thursday, US and Iranian officials held talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, aimed at addressing concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear activities. Omani officials had expressed cautious optimism about reaching a compromise.
However, the launch of military operations marks a dramatic shift from diplomacy to open confrontation — one that risks reshaping the regional security landscape and escalating tensions far beyond Iran’s borders.
About the Author
