In asserting the U.S. military strike on Iran, President Donald Trump went considerably past his earlier justification of destroying the nation’s nuclear program.
He is now additionally calling for regime change — and inspiring the Iranian folks to stand up and overthrow their authorities.
Three sources briefed on the assault advised ABC Information that Iran’s Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian have been each focused in the course of the strikes.
However whether or not American bombing might assist make regime change occur — with out additionally deploying U.S. forces on the bottom — was unclear, as was who may substitute Iran’s present leaders.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, 2026.
U.S. Central Command
“Our goal is to defend the American folks by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very laborious, horrible folks,” Trump introduced in a video posted to his social media account early Saturday morning.
Chatting with what he referred to as “the nice, proud folks of Iran,” he added, “I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand.”
“After we are completed, take over your authorities. It will likely be yours to take. This will likely be most likely your solely likelihood for generations,” he stated.
“For a few years, you’ve got requested for America’s assist, however you by no means obtained it. No president was prepared to do what I’m prepared to do tonight. Now you’ve got a president who’s providing you with what you need, so let’s have a look at the way you reply.” he stated.
“America is backing you with overwhelming energy and devastating drive. Now’s the time to grab management of your future and to unleash the affluent and wonderful future that’s shut inside your attain,” he stated.
Shortly after, in a short cellphone name with a Washington Submit reporter, the president stated that each one he desires is “freedom for the folks” of Iran.
In January, throughout widespread protests in Iran when 1000’s of Iranians have been reported killed, Trump posted on social media, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They may pay a giant worth.”
“HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump added on the time, although he confronted criticism for taking no additional motion at that time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his personal video assertion Saturday echoed Trump’s name, saying the assault’s purpose was “to take away the existential risk posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.”
Iran has claimed it’s not pursuing a nuclear weapon and has the sovereign proper to pursue a peaceable nuclear program for civilian functions.
President Donald Trump speaks to announce that the U.S. had begun “main fight operations” in Iran, on the day Israel and the U.S. carried out strikes on Iran, Feb. 28, 2026.
The White Home
Imminent risk?
So far, Trump has stated he most popular a diplomatic answer and has not introduced a transparent justification for why strikes are wanted now, since he has repeatedly insisted Iran’s nuclear program was “obliterated” in U.S. strikes he ordered final June — a declare he repeated at final week’s State of the Union tackle.
In making his new case for the strikes, the president is arguing assaults are warranted to “defend the American folks by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime” with out offering clear proof of that.
Trump additionally argued Iranian missiles might “quickly” attain the U.S — however the president has offered no particulars.
Iran is “creating lengthy vary missiles that may now threaten our excellent mates and allies in Europe, our troops stationed abroad and will quickly attain the American homeland,” he stated.
But, in keeping with a one-page doc launched by the Protection Intelligence Company earlier this 12 months, Iran is seeking to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035.
Just some days in the past, after the president’s State of the Union tackle, Secretary of State Marco Rubio advised reporters Iranian missiles might attain america “someday.”
“Clearly, they’re headed in a pathway to someday having the ability to develop weapons that may attain the continental U.S. They already possess weapons that may attain a lot of Europe already now as we converse, and the ranges proceed to develop each single 12 months exponentially,” Rubio stated.
Whether or not the Iranian missile risk was “imminent” — and whether or not Congress ought to vote on committing American troops to an intensive army operation — geared toward pursuing such a broad purpose of regime change in Iran — will doubtless dominate the talk when lawmakers return to Washington this week.
ABC Information’ Mary Bruce and John Parkinson contributed to this report
