Read President Trump’s statement on Iran in full

In a startling development, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in an eight-minute video posted to his Truth Social platform that the United States has launched “major combat operations in Iran.” The unverified declaration has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and international media.

In the video, Trump stated that American military forces have begun operations with the objective of “defending the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He characterized Iran’s leadership as “a vicious group of very hard, terrible people” whose activities directly endanger U.S. interests.

Trump cited what he described as a 47-year history of hostility between Iran and the United States, referencing historical flashpoints including the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, and alleged Iranian involvement in attacks on American forces throughout the Middle East.

The former president claimed that a June operation, which he called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” had already “obliterated the regime’s nuclear program” at several facilities, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—key sites in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. No such operation has been previously acknowledged by U.S. officials or reported by major news outlets.

“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 stated in the video. He asserted that Iran had rejected diplomatic opportunities and was attempting to rebuild its nuclear program while developing long-range missiles that could potentially reach Europe and eventually the American mainland.

Trump detailed that the purported military operation would aim to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” “annihilate their navy,” and ensure that “terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region.” He warned of potential American casualties, noting that “lives of courageous American heroes may be lost.”

In a direct appeal to Iranian military and security forces, Trump urged them to “lay down your weapons” and promised “complete immunity” for those who surrender, while threatening “certain death” for those who do not.

Perhaps most remarkably, the former president called on the Iranian people to “take over your government” once U.S. operations conclude. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he stated, characterizing the situation as “probably your only chance for generations.”

The claims made in Trump’s video have not been corroborated by the Pentagon, State Department, or White House. No reports of military action against Iran have emerged from international monitoring organizations or news agencies operating in the region.

Iran represents one of the most significant geopolitical challenges in the Middle East. The country has been under various international sanctions for decades related to its nuclear program and support for regional militant groups. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have fluctuated significantly in recent years, with particularly sharp escalations during Trump’s presidency following his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

Security analysts are noting the extraordinary nature of Trump’s announcement, which comes outside official channels and without apparent coordination with current U.S. leadership. Experts caution that such claims, if unfounded, could have serious implications for regional stability and U.S. credibility in international affairs.

Financial markets have already shown signs of volatility following the video’s circulation, with oil prices experiencing immediate fluctuations on speculation about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

As the situation develops, international observers and U.S. officials will be closely monitoring for any evidence of military operations or responses from Iranian authorities to these unprecedented claims.