Trump tells Iranians ‘hour of your freedom is at hand’ as US-Israel launch strikes

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump announced the commencement of joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” The strikes began just after 9 a.m. local time in what represents the most significant military action against the Iranian regime in decades.

In an unprecedented address posted to Truth Social, Trump directly called on the Iranian people to overthrow their government once military operations conclude. “The hour of your freedom is at hand,” Trump stated. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations.”

The president characterized the operation as necessary to eliminate “imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” which he described as a “wicked, radical dictatorship” threatening American interests and regional stability. The operation appears aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its missile infrastructure and naval forces.

“It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump emphasized. “I’ll say it again. They can never have a nuclear weapon.”

The military action follows weeks of deteriorating diplomatic relations. On February 19, Trump had issued an ultimatum to Iran, giving the regime approximately 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement on nuclear limitations. During his recent State of the Union address, the president had warned that his push for a deal was backed by the credible threat of force.

Military analysts note that this operation represents a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Iran. Previous administrations have employed economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and limited strikes against Iranian proxies, but none have launched a direct, large-scale military operation against Iranian territory itself.

International reactions have been swift, with oil prices surging on news of the strikes. The Middle East region, already destabilized by ongoing conflicts, now faces the prospect of wider regional escalation. Defense experts warn that Iran’s network of proxy forces across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen could potentially retaliate against U.S. interests or allies.

In his address, Trump also issued a stark warning to members of Iran’s military and security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, calling on them to “lay down their weapons and accept immunity or face certain death.” This unusual direct appeal to enemy forces signals the administration’s hope for internal collapse of the Iranian regime.

Trump acknowledged the risks involved, noting that American casualties may result from the operation. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties, that often happens in war,” he said. “But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing it for the future, and it is a noble mission.”

The president justified the military action by citing Iran’s status as “the world’s number-one state sponsor of terror” and accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program despite previous diplomatic efforts. Trump referenced failed past attempts at negotiation, stating, “It’s been mass terror and we are not going to put up with it any longer.”

Photos from Tehran show plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations across the city, indicating precision strikes against specific targets. The Pentagon has not yet released details on the scope of targets hit or the specific military assets deployed in the operation.

As the situation develops, regional allies and adversaries are closely monitoring events, with implications for global security and energy markets hanging in the balance.