WASHINGTON: The United States has launched major combat operations against Iran, President Donald Trump announced early Saturday, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
In a video message, President Trump said U.S. forces have begun strikes aimed at destroying Iran’s missile systems and naval forces. He described the operation as necessary to eliminate imminent threats to American security and interests.
Trump acknowledged that American casualties are possible but framed the offensive as a long-term effort to protect the United States and its allies.
He also urged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other armed forces to lay down their weapons, offering them immunity if they surrender — otherwise, he warned of “certain death.”
The announcement comes after repeated warnings from Washington and Israel that they would resort to force if Iran continued to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Attempts at diplomatic talks with Tehran in recent weeks failed to produce an agreement.
This represents one of the most serious military moves involving the U.S. in the Middle East in recent years, and global attention is focused on the evolving situation. International reactions and details on the extent of the military action are continuing to develop.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States has launched a military operation against Iran, stating that the objective is to safeguard American national security.
Earlier reports indicated that the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, including missile attacks in the capital, Tehran. According to initial information, several missiles landed near the presidential compound and close to the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
US officials stated that the strikes were conducted from both air and sea and were aimed solely at military targets. Naval fleets had reportedly been repositioned to the Middle East in recent weeks to ensure the protection of American bases in the region.
Further developments are awaited as the situation continues to unfold.
