U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed early Saturday that the U.S. military has launched "major combat operations" against Iran, marking America's direct involvement in coordinated strikes with Israel that have resulted in explosions in Tehran and other locations.
In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social at around 2:00 am EST, Trump announced, "A short time ago, the U.S. 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 group of very hard, terrible people.”
He referred to Iran's leadership as a "wicked, radical dictatorship" and pledged to dismantle Iran's missile systems, navy, and nuclear capabilities, stressing that the operation's purpose is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening U.S. forces, military bases, and allies.
The announcement came shortly after Israel revealed it had launched a "pre-emptive" strike targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military infrastructure. Iranian state media and local reports indicated multiple explosions in Tehran, with smoke rising near key government buildings, including those near the presidential palace and the offices of the Supreme Leader. Air raid sirens sounded throughout Israel, and a state of emergency was declared, as authorities braced for potential retaliation from Iran, likely in the form of missiles or drones.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that American forces were involved in air and sea strikes, including aircraft deployed from regional bases and carriers. The operation, reportedly called "Operation Shield of Judah," is described as extensive, with no indication it was limited to a single strike.
The military action follows weeks of heightened tensions, including failed indirect nuclear talks in Geneva and a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Trump had repeatedly pressed Iran to negotiate a new deal to limit its nuclear ambitions, warning of dire consequences if talks failed.
Iran condemned the strikes as acts of aggression and promised a "crushing" response. While casualty figures have not yet been released, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation.
