WASHINGTON, D.C. February 28, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump has confirmed that the United States military has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, describing the campaign as “massive and ongoing” in a video statement released today by the White House.
The announcement was shared via the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) at approximately 7:57 AM GMT, featuring a video of President Trump addressing the nation on the escalating situation in the Middle East. The post has rapidly gained over 1.3 million views.
In the video, President Trump stated:
“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, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
Trump detailed the operation’s goals, vowing to target Iran’s missile capabilities, naval forces, and regional proxies:
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world.”
He emphasized that the strikes aim to prevent Iran from acquiring or rebuilding nuclear weapons, referencing a prior U.S. operation in June 2025 that targeted nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
“It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump declared. “They will never have a nuclear weapon.”
The President highlighted decades of Iranian aggression, including the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, and support for groups like Hamas responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
Trump also issued a direct appeal to the Iranian people and regime forces:
“To the great, proud people of Iran… the hour of your freedom is at hand… When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
He urged members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security forces to lay down arms, offering immunity or warning of “certain death.”
The announcement coincides with reports of Israeli preemptive strikes on Iranian targets, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities. U.S. officials have described the joint efforts as necessary to counter nuclear and missile threats, following failed diplomatic talks.
Trump acknowledged potential risks to U.S. personnel, stating that “lives of courageous American heroes may be lost,” but described the mission as “noble” to safeguard future generations from a nuclear-armed Iran.
The White House video, available at https://x.com/i/status/2027654336138924410, has sparked widespread global attention amid fears of broader regional conflict. Iranian officials have vowed retaliation.
Life News Agency will provide continuous updates as the situation develops.
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