Donald Trump on Iran War

A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime—a vicious and dangerous regime whose menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops, and innocent people in many countries.

Among the regime’s earliest acts was backing the violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, killing 241 American service members. In 2000, they were likely involved in the attack on the USS Cole. Iranian-backed forces have killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq and launched countless attacks against U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East, as well as naval and commercial vessels.

It has been mass terror—and we will not tolerate it any longer.

From Lebanon to Yemen, and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained, and funded terrorist militias responsible for immense bloodshed. Iran’s proxy, Hamas, carried out the October 7 attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, and taking 12 Americans hostage.

Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

It has always been the policy of the United States—especially under my administration—that this regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I will say it again: they will never have a nuclear weapon.

In Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated key elements of the regime’s nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. We warned them never to resume their pursuit of nuclear weapons. We sought repeatedly to make a deal — but Iran rejected every opportunity to renounce its nuclear ambitions.

Instead, they attempted to rebuild their program and continue developing long-range missiles capable of threatening our allies in Europe, our troops overseas, and potentially even the American homeland.

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this radical dictatorship from threatening America and our national security interests.

We will destroy their missiles and dismantle their missile industry.

We will annihilate their navy.

We will ensure their terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or attack our forces.

And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.

This regime will learn that no one challenges the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces.

I rebuilt our military during my first administration. There is no military on Earth close to its power or sophistication.

We have taken every step possible to minimize risks to our personnel. Even so, casualties are possible—that is the reality of war. But we act not just for today but for the future.

We pray for every service member risking their lives so that Americans and our children will never face a nuclear-armed Iran.

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and the armed forces: lay down your weapons and receive complete immunity—or face certain death.

To the proud people of Iran: the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. It is dangerous outside. When this operation is complete, take back your country. This may be your only opportunity for generations.

For years, you have asked for America’s help. Now you have a president willing to act.

America stands with overwhelming strength and force.

Now is the time to seize your destiny.

May God bless the brave men and women of America’s Armed Forces.

May God bless the United States of America.

May God bless you all.”