Trump announces US combat operations in Iran: ‘The hour of your freedom is at hand'

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has launched extensive combat operations in Iran. He made the announcement in a video posted on Truth Social, where he emphasized that the aim of the intervention is to protect American citizens from 'immediate threats' from the Iranian regime.

According to him, this is a defensive move to eliminate specific risks before they can fully manifest themselves.

Trump spoke directly to ‘members of the Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police’: ‘You must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or in the alternative face certain death.’ He then turned to what he called the ‘great proud people of Iran’: ‘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.’

However, it is not yet clear what the scope of the operation is or what specific targets US forces are to strike. Trump's statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with further developments likely to have a significant impact on regional stability and Washington's relations with Tehran.

(reuters)