President Trump Announces Major Combat Operations in Iran Have Begun (full statement)

Key Concepts

• Operation Midnight Hammer: A previous U.S. military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• Iranian Regime: The current government of Iran, characterized as a “vicious” and “radical dictatorship.”
• State Sponsor of Terror: Iran’s designation as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
• Nuclear Proliferation: The central concern regarding Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
• Regime Change: Implicit encouragement of a revolution within Iran to overthrow the current government.
• Imminent Threat: The justification for military action, citing immediate danger to U.S. interests.
• Proxies: Terrorist groups supported and funded by Iran, used to carry out attacks.

U.S. Military Operations in Iran: A Statement on Objectives and Actions

This statement details the commencement of major U.S. military combat operations in Iran, framed as a defensive measure to protect American citizens and national security interests. The core justification centers on the perceived imminent threat posed by the Iranian regime and its history of hostile actions.

Historical Hostilities & Justification for Action

The speaker outlines a 47-year history of antagonism from the Iranian regime, characterized by “death to America” rhetoric and acts of violence. Specific incidents cited include:

• 1979 U.S. Embassy Takeover: The seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the 444-day hostage crisis.
• 1983 Beirut Marine Barracks Bombing: An attack carried out by Iranian proxies resulting in 241 American deaths.
• 2000 USS Cole Attack: Alleged Iranian involvement in the bombing of the USS Cole, causing multiple fatalities.
• Iraq Conflict: Iranian forces responsible for the deaths and injuries of hundreds of American service members in Iraq.
• Recent Attacks: Ongoing attacks by Iranian proxies against U.S. forces in the Middle East and commercial vessels.
• October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel: Direct attribution of the attack, resulting in over 1000 deaths (including 46 Americans) and 12 hostages, to Iran’s proxy, Hamas.

The speaker emphasizes Iran’s status as “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror” and its recent suppression of internal protests, resulting in “tens of thousands” of deaths. The primary concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a policy consistently upheld by the administration.

Operation Midnight Hammer & Failed Diplomacy

The speaker references “Operation Midnight Hammer” last June, which purportedly “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Despite this action and repeated attempts at negotiation, Iran has allegedly refused to renounce its nuclear ambitions and continues to develop long-range missiles capable of threatening Europe and the U.S. homeland. The speaker states, “They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it…They didn't know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil.” This highlights a perceived lack of good faith in Iranian negotiations.

Current Military Objectives

The current military operation is described as “massive and ongoing,” with the following key objectives:

• Destruction of Missile Capabilities: “We are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground…totally obliterated.”
• Annihilation of the Iranian Navy: Complete dismantling of Iran’s naval forces.
• Neutralization of Proxies: Eliminating the destabilizing influence of Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
• Prevention of Nuclear Weapon Acquisition: Reiterating the unwavering commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon: “They will never have a nuclear weapon.”
• Reduction of IED Attacks: Stopping the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by Iranian proxies, which have caused significant casualties.

Risks and Call to Action

The speaker acknowledges the potential for American casualties during the operation, stating, “the Iranian regime seeks to kill the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties.” However, this is framed as a necessary risk for future security.

A direct appeal is made to members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and the police to “lay down your weapons” and receive “complete immunity” or face “certain death.”

Crucially, the statement includes a direct address to the Iranian people, urging them to “stay sheltered” during the bombing campaign and to “take over your government” once the military operation is complete. This is presented as their “only chance for generations,” with America offering “overwhelming strength and devastating force” in support. The speaker claims previous presidents were unwilling to provide this level of support.

Concluding Remarks

The statement concludes with a prayer for the safety of American service members and a reaffirmation of faith in the U.S. military’s capabilities. The speaker emphasizes the nobility of the mission and expresses confidence in a successful outcome.

Technical Terms:

• IED (Improvised Explosive Device): A bomb constructed and deployed in an unconventional manner.
• Nuclear Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons, materials, and technology.
• Proxy: A person or group acting on behalf of another, in this case, terrorist groups supported by Iran.
• Regime: The governing power or government of a country.

This statement represents a significant escalation in U.S. policy towards Iran, moving beyond sanctions and diplomatic efforts to direct military intervention with the stated goal of regime change and preventing nuclear proliferation. The language used is highly charged, portraying the Iranian regime as an existential threat and justifying the use of overwhelming force.