Trump encourages Iranians to take over the government while announcing an attack on Iran

President Donald Trump has encouraged Iranians to take over their government once the United States and Israel have completed “major combat operations” in Iran, marking a dramatic escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The US and Israel launched a joint attack shortly after 9 a.m. in what the Pentagon called “Operation Epic Fury.”

In video remarks posted to Truth Social, Trump spoke directly to the Iranian people and told them to “take control [their] the end.”

“The hour of your freedom is near. Stay safe. Do not leave your home. It is very dangerous outside. Bombs will be falling everywhere. When we are done, take your government. It will be yours to take,” said Trump. “This will be, perhaps, your chance of a lifetime. For years, you’ve asked for America’s help, but you didn’t get it. No President was willing to do what I’m willing to do tonight. Now you have a President who gives you what you want.”

“America supports you with great strength and great power,” Trump directed at the Iranian people. “Now is the time to take control of your destiny and unlock the most prosperous and glorious future within your reach. This is the time for action. Don’t let it pass.”

While Trump focused his message on empowering the people of Iran, he said the plan’s purpose is to “protect the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” which he described as “vicious” and “very difficult, scary people.”

Trump also said that while there may be American casualties as a result, the campaign is “good” as it aims to stop an “evil, violent dictatorship” from threatening US national security interests and destabilizing the Middle East.

“I do not make this statement lightly; the Iranian regime wants to kill,” he said. “The lives of brave American warriors may be lost and we may have injuries, which often happen in war. But we’re not doing this now. We’re doing it for the future, and it’s a good job.”

TRUMP ADMIN INCREASES ‘HIGH PRESSURE’ ON IRAN ORGANIZATIONS AHEAD OF NEW NUCLEAR DISCUSSION

People watch as smoke rises into the sky after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo)

Trump has noted repeated failed attempts to negotiate with Iran, accusing Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program and calling it “the world’s leading state sponsor.”

“It has always been the policy of the United States, especially my administration, that this terrorist regime will never have a nuclear weapon. I will say it again. They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

TRUMP SAYS ‘THINKS’ A TIME-LIMITED MILITARY STRIKE WILL GET IRAN TO GO NUCLEAR.

The president has vowed to destroy Iran’s missile infrastructure and destroy its navy.

“It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon. This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and power of the United States Armed Forces,” Trump said.

He also called on members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s military and police to lay down their weapons and accept immunity or “face certain death.”

Smoke rises into the sky after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

The military strike comes hours after Trump told reporters on Friday that he was “not happy” with the state of the nuclear talks.

The two countries have been holding informal talks, and Trump gave Iran a deadline of about 10 to 15 days on February 19 to reach a deal. During his State of the Union speech, he emphasized that his push for an agreement was strongly supported.

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Trump has repeatedly warned of dire consequences for the Iranian government if negotiations fail.

“It’s been a lot of fear and we’re not going to put up with it anymore,” Trump said.

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