“A short time ago, the United States began major combat operations in Iran,” President Donald Trump announced Saturday morning in a brief address providing hope to Iranian citizens and explaining to Americans how the action is vital to world safety. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating eminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said: “It’s menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world. For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted “Death to America!” and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries.” Most importantly, the operation is necessary to stop Iran’s ongoing work rebuilding its nuclear weapon and long-range missile capacity, Trump said. The U.S. obliterated both programs once and is prepared to do it again, the president vowed: “We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message: they will never have a nuclear weapon.” Trump also addressed the Iranian people, telling them that, once the smoke has cleared from the operation, they will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be free – if they take it: “Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. 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 be probably your only chance for generations. “For many years you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. “So, let’s see how you respond.” “America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force,” Trump told the oppressed Iranians, calling them to action. “Now, is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is within your grasp. “Do not let it pass,” Trump urged. pic.twitter.com/BZuJDudLej — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026