In a dramatic escalation with global implications, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has begun what he described as “major combat operations” inside Iran, vowing to “destroy their missiles and wipe out their missile industry.”

In a video message posted on social media early Saturday, Trump declared that the objective of the operation is to “defend the American people by eliminating the threat of the Iranian regime.” He issued a stark warning to Tehran: “They will be wiped out.”

Targeting Iran’s Military Infrastructure

According to the president, the campaign aims to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities amid escalating tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. “Iran is the number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world,” Trump said. “It has always been the policy of the United States that this terrorist regime must never obtain a nuclear weapon.”

The announcement came amid coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. Iranian media reported explosions in multiple locations, including Tehran, with smoke seen rising near sensitive government compounds. One reported impact occurred near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though his status was not immediately confirmed.

The White House has not disclosed the full operational scope but signaled that the campaign may continue over several days.

Call for Regime Change

In one of the most striking portions of his address, Trump directly appealed to the Iranian people, urging them to seize political control. “When we are finished, take over your government — it will be yours,” he said. “This will probably be your only opportunity for generations.”

He also addressed Iran’s security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), warning: “Lay down your weapons and you will have complete immunity. Otherwise, you will face certain death.”

The IRGC, the elite wing of Iran’s military establishment, plays a central role in defending the Islamic Republic’s leadership and overseeing strategic missile and regional operations.

Nuclear Tensions at the Core

The military escalation follows months of deadlock over Iran’s nuclear activities. Washington had been seeking a renewed agreement to restrict uranium enrichment and limit missile development, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has refused to negotiate on its long-range missile arsenal or its support for regional armed groups.

International observers warn that the confrontation could trigger broader instability across the Middle East, disrupt energy markets, and intensify geopolitical polarization between major powers.

As global leaders call for restraint, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further retaliation and rapid developments in the coming hours.