Trump Orders Massive Combat Operations in Iran, Warns of Possible U.S. Casualties

President Donald Trump early Saturday confirmed that the United States has entered active military operations inside Iran, marking one of the most serious escalations between the two nations in years.

In a video released on Truth Social, Trump said American forces had already begun striking Iranian targets after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program collapsed.

According to the president, Iran ignored repeated U.S. demands to scale back its uranium enrichment and missile development efforts. Instead, he claimed, the country moved forward with capabilities that could threaten Europe, U.S. troops overseas, and potentially the American homeland.

The operation, Trump said, is not limited in scope.

He described it as “massive and ongoing,” explaining that missile infrastructure and naval assets were among the primary targets.

“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump said. “We are going to annihilate their navy, we are going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region and the world.”

Within hours, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly confirmed coordination between Israel and the United States, describing the effort as necessary to eliminate what he called an existential threat. “This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said.

Reports from Tehran showed smoke rising above the skyline as explosions rocked parts of the capital. Traffic stalled as civilians attempted to clear major roads.

The Israel Defense Forces later stated it had detected missile launches from Iran toward Israeli territory. Interception systems were activated, and sirens sounded across multiple areas as residents were instructed to seek shelter.

Iran’s foreign ministry responded swiftly, accusing the United States of striking both defensive infrastructure and non-military sites across several cities. Officials vowed a “firm and decisive” retaliation and called on the United Nations to condemn the attacks. “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault,” the ministry said. “Just as we were prepared for negotiations, we are more ready than ever to defend the essence of Iran.”

Trump, however, framed the military action as the result of diplomatic exhaustion.

“We sought repeatedly to make a deal,” he said. “We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it… they didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil.” He issued a direct warning to Tehran’s leadership, urging them to “lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death.” He repeated the message for emphasis.

In a notable shift, Trump also addressed Iranian citizens directly.

“To the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight: The hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said. “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.”

The president acknowledged the gravity of the move, conceding that American casualties are possible. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we’re doing this for the future,” he said.

Behind the scenes, the buildup had been months in the making. U.S. forces had repositioned major assets throughout the region, including dual aircraft carrier strike groups, advanced fighter jets, and surveillance platforms capable of sustained operations. The deployments signaled preparation for exactly this kind of confrontation.

This is not Trump’s first strike against Iranian-linked targets. Less than a year ago, he authorized airstrikes on key nuclear facilities during a previous flare-up between Iran and Israel. That operation was later described by his administration as a success.

Featured image via X screengrab