The United States and Israel launched long-awaited strikes on Iran early Saturday morning, as President Trump vowed to destroy their missile capabilities, "annihilate" their navy, and ensure the nation never obtains a nuclear weapon.
Trump, in a video message released overnight that made clear the goal is regime change, urged the Iranian people to "take over your government" when the operation is finished.
"The hour of your freedom is at hand," Trump said. "This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. . . . This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."
Iran already has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. bases. American and Israel reportedly plan to carry out several days of attacks, and Trump cautioned that while the administration is taking every step to minimize risks to America personnel, "we may have casualties."
He added, "We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission." He urged Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons in exchange for immunity, or face "certain death."
The U.S. has been engaged in a weekslong military buildup in the Middle East following vows to help protesters who thronged the streets in January in opposition to the regime, which responded with a deadly crackdown that killed thousands and at least temporarily stifled the unrest.
During his State of the Union address, Trump began to make a broader case for military action against Iran, citing, as he did in his video remarks released overnight, the regime's attacks over the past half-century against U.S. personnel in the region.
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