WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the United States has begun what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two nations.
In a video statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the objective of the military action is to eliminate what he called imminent threats posed by the Iranian government to the United States, its troops, and allied nations.
U.S. officials indicated the operation — described as a large-scale, preemptive strike — is being conducted jointly with Israel and could continue for several days. Potential targets reportedly include military sites tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as intelligence facilities and other government-linked defense infrastructure.
The move comes amid ongoing but strained negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Just hours before the announcement, Trump expressed frustration with the progress of those talks.
Trump has long maintained that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and reiterated that position in his remarks, describing Iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism and a threat to global stability.
The president acknowledged that military operations could result in casualties, noting that American service members may be placed in harm’s way.
In addition to addressing the operation itself, Trump also made a direct appeal to the Iranian public, encouraging citizens to push for political change within their own country.
The announcement has prompted immediate reaction on Capitol Hill. Several Democratic lawmakers are calling for briefings from the administration to clarify the scope and justification for the operation.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) said he is requesting that Congress receive a full briefing on the situation, while Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a Marine Corps veteran, voiced concern about the risks of a prolonged conflict and the potential cost to American service members.
The situation remains rapidly developing as officials assess the impact of the military action and its implications for regional stability.
