New Delhi: US President Donald Trump announced a military operation against Iran with a clear objective of regime change in Tehran, a move which he characterised as a necessary defense against a “vicious regime” that has “endangered” Washington and its allies.
The US and Israel launched what they called a “preemptive strike” against Iran Saturday morning (Indian Standard Time), Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced—an attack that many saw s long time in making, with the White House stepping up pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme.
In an address posted on the White House official X handle, Trump confirmed that the US has commenced a “major combat military operation” to eliminate the “imminent threat” from the Islamic Republic.
Trump underscored the US’s commitment to never let Tehran have nuclear weapons. “It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime (in Iran) can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon.”
He recounted Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, during which Washington conducted aerial strikes through GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), commonly known as a bunker buster bomb, on Iran’s alleged nuclear sites located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
“They (Iran) rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump stated, adding that now his administration’s goal is to “ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon”.
Ultimatum to Iranians
During his speech, he also extended his ultimatum to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the national police, and all the regular armed forces to lay down their weapons.
“You must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms,” the US President added in his video address.
Trump also called upon the people of Iran to “reclaim” their nation through this US-led strike. However, he advised Iranians to stay sheltered as “bombs will be dropping everywhere”.
“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,” Trump added through his address.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said, calling this the “only chance for generations” to reestablish a prosperous future.
He concluded by asserting that the U.S. is backing the Iranian people with “overwhelming strength” and that the “hour of freedom” had arrived.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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