Donald Trump Tells Iranians 'The Time For Freedom Has Come'

He said that once operations are complete, Iranians should“take control of the government,” describing it as belonging to the people and calling it a rare generational opportunity. His remarks came as Washington announced that the objective of the campaign is the complete dismantling of the Islamic Republic's ruling system.

The joint operation by the United States and Israel began early Saturday, with strikes reported in several major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Qom. Iranian authorities have not released full casualty figures, but explosions were reported near strategic and government-linked sites.

In Tehran, missiles reportedly struck a compound associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a powerful symbol of state authority. Trump also warned members of Iran's armed forces to surrender or face deadly consequences.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have sharply escalated in recent months following disputes over Iran's nuclear program and regional military activities. Previous rounds of sanctions and diplomatic efforts failed to ease hostilities, pushing both sides closer to open confrontation.

Israel has repeatedly warned that it would not allow Iran to expand its military capabilities or influence across the region. Israeli officials have long accused Tehran of supporting armed groups hostile to Israel, raising fears of a broader regional war.

The situation remains fluid, with international observers warning that continued escalation could destabilize the wider Middle East and trigger significant humanitarian consequences.

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