President Donald Trump announced that the United States military has begun “major combat operations” against Iran, warning Tehran that its leaders face either total surrender or “certain death.”

Trump’s speech, which he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, outlined an aggressive military campaign he claimed is aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, dismantling its missile capabilities, and crushing what he described as the regime’s decades-long campaign of global terrorism.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump declared.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”

The speech was striking in both its tone and content, featuring vivid descriptions of historical grievances, graphic depictions of Iranian attacks on American forces, and a direct threat to Iranian leadership and citizens alike.

Trump repeatedly referred to Iran as a “wicked, radical dictatorship” and asserted that the regime has been waging an “unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder” for more than four decades.

“Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world,” he said.

Trump’s historical references included the 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, which resulted in 444 American hostages, the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing that killed 241 U.S. servicemen, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, which he said Iran knew and was probably involved with.

He also cited Iran’s alleged support for terrorist proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and for Hamas in the October 7, 2025, attacks on Israel that killed more than 1,000 civilians, including 46 Americans.

He said, “For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops, and the innocent people in many, many countries.

“Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days.

“In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

“In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq.

“The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes.”

According to Trump, “It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer,” Trump said.

“From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained, and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts.”

The president also referenced what he called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a campaign he claims his administration launched in June 2025 to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Trump said Iran had been warned repeatedly not to rebuild its nuclear program, but that Tehran refused.

“They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” he said.

Trump emphasised that the U.S. military operation will be comprehensive, targeting Iran’s missile program, naval forces, and regional proxies.

“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,” he said.

“We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world.”

The speech repeatedly underscored the risk of war for U.S. personnel.

“Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” Trump warned.

He framed the operation as a moral mission, asserting that the campaign is not only about immediate defense but also securing a safer future for the United States and its allies.

Perhaps most striking were Trump’s direct warnings to Iranian military and security personnel.

“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or, in the alternative, face certain death,” he said.

“So lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death.”

In an unprecedented direct address to Iranian civilians, Trump urged them to seize the moment and overthrow their government, “Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, 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. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.

“This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight.

“Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.

“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”

Calling to faith and patriotism, Trump said, “May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all.”

“May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all.”

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