US President Donald Trump said Saturday that American forces will destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, dismantle its missiles and missile-production infrastructure, while urging the Iranian public to use the moment to topple the regime.
In an eight-minute video statement confirming the launch of what he described as a “major combat operation” against Iran, Trump said the action was aimed at removing “imminent threats” posed by the regime.
The president outlined a broad set of military objectives extending beyond Iran’s nuclear activities. “We will destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground,” he said, adding that Iran’s naval forces would be “annihilated” and its ability to arm and direct proxy groups across the region would be dismantled.
He repeated that Iran would not be permitted to get atomic bombs. “It is a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that American casualties were possible. “Lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” he said.
Addressing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as Iran’s armed forces and police, Trump issued an ultimatum: “Lay down your weapons. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death.”
He also delivered a direct appeal to the Iranian public, warning civilians to remain indoors during the strikes but to use the opportunity afterwards to remove the regime. “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” he said.
“To the great proud people of Iran I say tonight the hour of your freedom is at hand...When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations,” Trump added, urging Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” once the military phase concludes.
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