US President Donald Trump on Saturday declared a sweeping military offensive against Iran, pledging to dismantle the country’s missile capabilities, wipe out its naval assets, and encourage Iranians to overthrow their leadership.
In a video message released on his Truth Social platform after the United States and Israel began coordinated airstrikes on Iranian targets, Trump outlined what he described as a mission to cripple the Islamic Republic’s military infrastructure and remove the authorities in power since the 1979 revolution.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy,” Trump said in the address delivered from his Florida residence.
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Directly appealing to the Iranian public, he urged citizens to seize what he called a rare opportunity to reclaim control of their country once military operations conclude. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he said, describing the moment as potentially their “only chance for generations.”
Trump also issued a stern warning to members of Iran’s security forces, including the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is tasked with protecting the clerical establishment. He called on them to surrender, offering immunity in exchange for laying down arms, while warning of dire consequences if they resisted.
The US president justified the assault as a defensive measure, arguing that Tehran posed an imminent threat. He accused Iran of attempting to revive its nuclear programme and advance long-range missile development capable of endangering US allies in Europe, American troops stationed abroad, and potentially the US mainland.
Trump further cautioned Iranian civilians to remain indoors, warning that the strikes would be extensive and dangerous.
The offensive followed what officials described as the largest US military build-up in the Middle East in recent years. Despite previously stating on Friday that no final decision had been made regarding military action, diplomatic efforts had continued. American envoys held talks in Geneva with Iranian representatives aimed at addressing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Oman’s top diplomat, who mediated the discussions, had expressed optimism about reaching a compromise after meeting US Vice President JD Vance. He told CBS News that Iran had indicated willingness to halt stockpiling of highly enriched uranium — a claim disputed by Tehran.
In June, Trump had ordered US forces to strike Iran’s principal nuclear facilities in support of an ongoing Israeli military campaign, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
