Trump’s Unprecedented Warning to Tehran and Direct Message to Iranian People Following Launch of Massive Operations Against Iran

Hours after Israel and the United States launched massive operations against Iran, Donald Trump sent an unprecedented warning and direct message to Tehran and the Iranian people.

This morning, the United States entered a new phase of direct confrontation with the Islamic Republic; a phase that American officials describe as “major combat operations” and say aims to immediately contain what they have called an “imminent threat” from Tehran.

The United States has announced that these operations are being conducted to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons and to weaken its missile and military infrastructure. Simultaneously, military sources report extensive naval and air movements in the region; from the deployment of aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf waters to the readiness of American bases in the Middle East.

This action follows increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran and comes after the United States previously targeted nuclear facilities in Fordoo, Natanz, and Isfahan in an operation called “Midnight Hammer.”

In this regard, U.S. President Donald Trump adopted unprecedented and explicit positions against the Islamic Republic in a televised address. The full text of his remarks is as follows:

“A short time ago, the United States military launched 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 extremely hardline and terrifying individuals. The threatening activities of this regime directly endanger the United States, our forces, our overseas bases, and our allies across the world. For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and launched an endless campaign of bloodshed and mass murder against the United States, our forces, and innocent people in many countries. Among this regime’s first actions was support for the violent takeover of the American embassy in Tehran and the holding of dozens of Americans hostage for 444 days.

In 1983, Iran’s proxy groups carried out bombings at the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 American military personnel. In 2000, they knew about and likely participated in the attack on the USS Cole; many people were killed. Iranian forces killed and wounded hundreds of members of the American military in Iraq. This regime’s proxy groups have continued countless attacks in recent years against American forces stationed in the Middle East, as well as American naval and commercial ships on international shipping lanes. This has been mass terror and we will no longer tolerate it. From Lebanon to Yemen and from Syria to Iraq, this regime has armed, trained, and financed terrorist militias that have stained the ground with blood and violence.

Additionally, Hamas was Iran’s proxy group that launched the monstrous attacks of October 7 against Israel and massacred over 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, and took 12 of our citizens hostage. That savage attack was something the world had never before witnessed. Iran is the number one sponsor of terrorism in the world and recently murdered tens of thousands of its own citizens who were protesting in the streets. It has always been the policy of the United States, particularly my administration, that this terrorist regime must never obtain nuclear weapons. Let me say it again: they can never have nuclear weapons.

This is why last June, in the “Midnight Hammer” operation, we destroyed the regime’s nuclear program in Fordoo, Natanz, and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their evil pursuit of nuclear weapons and repeatedly tried to reach an agreement. We made efforts; they sometimes wanted to agree and sometimes didn’t, sometimes did and then backed off, didn’t even know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil; but Iran refused, just as they had done for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions and we can no longer tolerate it.

Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and continued developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our forces stationed abroad, and soon can reach American soil. Just imagine how much more brazen this regime would become if it were equipped with nuclear weapons. For these reasons, the United States military is conducting extensive and continuous operations to prevent the threat posed by this very malicious and radical dictatorship against America and our vital national security interests.

We will destroy their missiles and level their missile industry to the ground; this industry will be completely erased once again. We will destroy their navy. We will ensure that other terrorist proxy groups can no longer destabilize the region or world and attack our forces, and can no longer use roadside bombs (IEDs) to severely wound and kill tens of thousands of people, including many Americans. We will ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons. This is a very simple message: they will never have nuclear weapons.

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the power and might of the United States Armed Forces. In my first administration, I built and rebuilt our military and no army on earth comes even close to its power, strength, or sophistication. My administration has taken every possible step to minimize the danger to American personnel in the region. However, I will not say this lightly, the Iranian regime is seeking to kill. The lives of brave American heroes may be at risk and we may suffer casualties. This is something that often happens in war, but we are doing this not for now, but for the future and this is a righteous mission.

We pray for every member of the military who selflessly puts their life at risk to ensure that Americans and our children are never threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all our heroes at risk and we believe that with His help, the men and women of our armed forces will prevail. We have the best in the world and they will prevail. To the members of the Revolutionary Guards, the armed forces, and all law enforcement personnel, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and you will be granted complete immunity, otherwise you will face certain death. So lay down your weapons; you will be treated fairly and with complete immunity, otherwise you will face certain death.

Finally, to the great and proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is near. Take shelter and do not leave your homes. It is very dangerous outside; bombs will be falling everywhere. When our work is done, take control of your own government; this government will belong to you. This will likely be your only chance for generations to come. You have long asked for America’s help but never received it. No president was willing to do what I am doing tonight. Now you have a president who gives you what you want, so let’s see how you respond. America supports you with devastating power and destructive force. Now is the time to take control of your destiny and begin the flourishing and glorious future that awaits you. This is the moment to act; do not let it pass.

These remarks, delivered with an unfiltered and threatening tone, indicate that Washington has decided to enter a phase of direct and open confrontation. In response, Tehran has not yet announced its complete official reaction, but sources close to military institutions report widespread readiness at missile and naval bases.

Experts believe that if operations expand, there is a possibility of involving other regional players in this conflict. Global oil and energy markets have also been severely affected by these developments, with prices showing an upward trend.

What is clear is that the region has entered an unprecedented phase of confrontation; a phase that could change the balance of power in the Middle East for years to come.