US President Donald Trump has confirmed the United States has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, following Israel’s “pre-emptive strikes” on Iranian targets.
He made the announcement in a video posted on Truth Social.
Explosions and rising smoke have been reported across Tehran, while Israel has declared a state of emergency amid fears of retaliatory missile attacks, with sirens sounding nationwide.
The escalation comes after failed nuclear negotiations, with Trump warning the US would act decisively to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
🚨Trump says US has launched a regime change war and called on Iranians to rise up & seize power. He said the U.S. aims to destroy Iran’s missile program & naval forces & target leadership. Called on IRGC to surrender. He said the U.S. may take casualties pic.twitter.com/cqgbd2jwU8
— jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) February 28, 2026
Below is a transcript of what Trump said in the video:
A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.
Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.
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 innocent people in many countries. Among the regime’s first acts was backing the 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 were probably involved in the attack on the USS Cole. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq, and regime proxies have continued attacks against American forces and vessels in recent years.
From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained, and funded terrorist militias responsible for widespread violence. Iran’s proxy Hamas launched the October 7th attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people, including 46 Americans, and taking hostages.
Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror and has also killed many of its own citizens during protests. It has always been the policy of the United States that this regime can never have a nuclear weapon.
In Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their pursuit of nuclear weapons and repeatedly sought a deal, but Iran refused and rejected opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions.
Instead, Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles capable of threatening allies in Europe, U.S. troops overseas, and potentially the American homeland.
For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this dictatorship from threatening America and our national security interests. We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry. It will be obliterated. We will also annihilate their navy and ensure terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or attack our forces.
We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. They will never have a nuclear weapon. This regime will learn that no one should challenge the strength of the United States Armed Forces.
My administration has taken steps to minimize risk to U.S. personnel, but casualties are possible in war. We undertake this mission for the future so Americans and our children are never threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We pray for every service member risking their lives and trust they will prevail.
To members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and police: lay down your weapons and receive complete immunity, or face certain death.
To the people of Iran: the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered and remain indoors because it is dangerous outside. When we are finished, take over your government — it will be yours to take. This may be your only chance for generations.
For many years you asked for America’s help but did not receive it. Now you have a president willing to act. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and pursue a prosperous future.
This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass. 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. Thank you.
*This is a developing story
