• Trump announces the start of "major combat operations" in Iran to protect Americans.
• The operations aim to eliminate imminent threats from Iran's nuclear program and military capabilities.
• Trump urged the Iranian military to surrender or face severe consequences while calling for the Iranian people to rise against their government.
• Recent Israeli preemptive strikes have escalated tensions in the region, with Iran preparing for retaliation.
• The shift in U.S. military strategy raises concerns among lawmakers about foreign involvement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States has commenced "major combat operations" in Iran, emphasizing the need to defend American citizens from potential threats posed by the Iranian regime. "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump stated in a video posted on his Truth Social account. He declared that these operations would involve "destroying” Iran’s military capabilities, including their missile industry and navy, and reiterated that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon, according to channelnewsasia and aa.

The announcement follows preemptive Israeli air and sea strikes near Tehran that marked an escalation in the decades-long conflict over Iran's nuclear activities. Trump reaffirmed his administration's commitment to an assertive military strategy, labeling Iran as "the world's number one state sponsor of terror" and condemning their support of armed groups. "It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer," he stated. This military action comes as Iran threatens a decisive response to the attacks, reports indiatimes and latimes.

Trump's rhetoric during the announcement has stirred significant political discourse, considering his past pledges to end prolonged military engagements. He said, “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” indicating a departure from his previous stance of reducing military interventions abroad. This decision has drawn criticism from members of Congress, particularly among Democrats, who argue that Trump should seek congressional approval for such actions, highlighting concerns over the lack of a clear strategy and transparency, as noted by aa and latimes.

As the situation unfolds, the Iranian government has voiced its intent to retaliate against what it perceives as unprovoked aggression. Trump has urged Iranian citizens to seize this moment to overthrow their government, framing the violent engagement as a pivotal opportunity for the Iranian populace. His comments included a direct appeal, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” underscoring the broader implications of U.S. military action on the Iranian political landscape. This incitement has been highlighted across various news outlets, including indiatimes and latimes.