Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had begun “major combat operations” against Iran, warning that American forces could suffer casualties during the campaign.
In a video message shared on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes aimed to destroy Iranian missile capabilities and “annihilate” the country’s naval forces.
“I do not make this statement lightly. The Iranian regime seeks to kill,” Trump said, adding that the operation was intended to prevent future threats despite the risk of American casualties.
The announcement followed joint military action by the United States and Israel targeting sites inside Iran on Saturday, according to the president.
Trump also addressed members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s armed forces, urging them to lay down their weapons and promising immunity if they complied.
“The other option,” he said, “is certain death.”
The escalation comes after a series of recent talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. The latest round of negotiations was held on Thursday but ended without an agreement.
“Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades,” Trump said. “They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions.”
Analysts warn that the strikes could disrupt oil and gas production in the Middle East and damage regional energy infrastructure if the conflict widens.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent years over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States and Israel have repeatedly warned that they could launch military action if Iran continues to advance its nuclear capabilities.
Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes.