President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has launched major combat operations in Iran, declaring a sweeping campaign to eliminate threats from what he called a “very wicked, radical dictatorship.” In a video message posted on Truth Social, Trump stated: “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated.”
Trump emphasized the operation’s goals, vowing to annihilate Iran’s navy, dismantle its missile capabilities, neutralize regional terrorist proxies, and prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. He accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles capable of threatening the US homeland, Europe, and American troops overseas.
Key Statements from President Trump:
- “The United States military has undertaken a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.”
- “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”
- “We are going to annihilate their navy.”
- “We are going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilise the region or the world, and attack our forces.”
- “We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
The strikes follow failed nuclear negotiations and come amid coordinated US-Israel actions, with explosions reported in Tehran and other Iranian sites. Trump framed the mission as defensive, aimed at protecting American lives and allies from Iran’s missile programs, IED attacks, and support for groups destabilizing the Middle East.
The announcement escalates the ongoing US-Iran conflict, building on previous operations and heightening risks of broader regional war. Iran has declared a state of emergency, with internet disruptions and airspace restrictions reported.