The United States has launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump declared Saturday, shortly after Israel announced the start of its own offensive against the Persian nation.

"A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump said in a video posted to his social media accounts. "I'll say it again — they will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," he added.

"The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we are not doing this for the present. We are doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission," he stated.

Addressing Iran's military forces, Trump said: "Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly and with full immunity — or you will face certain death." He also urged the Iranian people to "take control of your government."

"To the great and proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Do not leave your homes. It is very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government," Trump said.

"The United States is behind you with overwhelming and devastating force," he declared. "Now is the moment to take your destiny into your own hands... This is the time to act. Do not let it pass," he concluded.

The strikes follow prolonged threats from the United States and Israel to intervene against the Persian nation unless it agreed to change its nuclear program. Iran has consistently maintained its right to develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes.

Iran has repeatedly warned that it is prepared to respond with heavy blows to any U.S. or Israeli "strategic miscalculation," and has stated that a complete halt to uranium enrichment is "absolutely unacceptable."

The latest offensive against Iran comes just months after the military intervention of June 2025, when Israel launched an attack against the Persian nation that sparked a series of missile and drone exchanges between the two countries. During what became known as the 12-Day War, Israeli targets included Iran's nuclear facilities, military commanders and senior officials, and nuclear scientists — several of whom were killed along with members of their families.

The conflict intensified with direct U.S. involvement, as American forces struck three major Iranian nuclear installations. Trump declared at the time that Iran's nuclear program had been "obliterated" — an assessment that was subsequently questioned by Washington's own intelligence community. Tehran responded by launching an attack against the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar. On June 24, Tel Aviv and Tehran announced a ceasefire that brought hostilities to a close.