U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces have launched what he described as “major combat operations” inside Iran, dramatically escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
BREAKING: United States and Israel have attacked Iran. pic.twitter.com/c634Q1U4c2
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 28, 2026
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In a televised address shared by the White House, Trump said the mission is aimed at eliminating what he called imminent threats posed by the Iranian leadership and preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said.
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He added, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Trump outlined a series of historical incidents he attributed to Iran or its allies, including the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, and attacks on American forces in the Middle East.
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed,” he stated. “It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.”
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He also referenced the October 7 attacks on Israel carried out by Hamas, describing Iran as the “world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
“It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before,” Trump said, while linking Tehran to the violence through its regional alliances.
A central theme of the speech was Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump reiterated that under his administration, Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
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“I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon,” he declared.
The president pointed to a previous strike, referred to as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which he said targeted nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
“We obliterated the regime’s nuclear program,” Trump said, adding that Iran later attempted to rebuild its capabilities despite U.S. warnings.
According to Trump, the renewed military campaign is intended to dismantle Iran’s missile systems and naval power permanently.
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“We are going to destroy their missiles and bring their missile industry to the ground,” he said. “We’re going to annihilate their navy.”
While praising the strength of the U.S. Armed Forces, Trump acknowledged that military action carries potential consequences.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” he said. “But we’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.”
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He added that steps had been taken to minimise risks to U.S. personnel stationed in the region.
In one of the most striking moments of the address, Trump delivered a direct warning to members of Iran’s security apparatus.
“You must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or… face certain death,” he said. “Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death.”
President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026
He also addressed Iranian citizens, urging them to remain indoors during the military campaign.
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“Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” Trump warned. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
The president framed the operation as both a national security action and a potential moment of political change in Iran.
“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny,” he said. “This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
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The White House has not yet provided detailed information about the scope or expected duration of the operation. International reaction is expected as global leaders assess the implications of the escalating conflict.
