The United States has announced the start of “major combat operations” in Iran. Former President Donald Trump, in a video statement, declared a sweeping military campaign focused on dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and addressing what he described as immediate threats to the US and its allies.
The move comes amidst long-standing tensions, with the US citing a history of hostile actions from Iran. These include past attacks on American forces, support for terrorist organizations across the Middle East, and the alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a paramount objective, stating, “They can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The current military operation aims to target and destroy Iran’s missile infrastructure, cripple its naval capabilities, and prevent its proxy groups from further destabilizing the region. This follows a previous operation, “Midnight Hammer,” which had reportedly struck Iran’s nuclear program last year. Despite prior warnings, Iran allegedly continued efforts to rebuild its nuclear ambitions, prompting this latest action.
Trump also issued direct messages to different groups. He urged members of Iran’s military and police to lay down their arms, promising immunity. For the Iranian people, he offered a message of potential freedom, advising them to stay safe indoors during the operations and suggesting this could be a historic opportunity for them to take control of their government, with strong backing from the US.
While acknowledging the inherent risks and potential for US casualties, the mission is framed as a noble effort for future security, safeguarding Americans from the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.
