Trump encourages Iranians to take over government while announcing Iran attack

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

The US and Israel launched the joint attack, which the Pentagon called “Operation Epic Rage”, just after 9 a.m. local time.

In the video published on Truth Social, Trump directly addressed the Iranian people and told them to “take control of Iran.” [their] destiny.”

Trump said, “The hour of your freedom is approaching. Stay protected. Don’t leave your house. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will rain down everywhere. When we’re done, take over the government. It will be yours.” “This will probably be your only chance in a generation. You asked for America’s help for years and never got it. No President was willing to do what I wanted to do tonight. Now you have a President who gives you what you want.”

Trump said to Iranians, “America supports you with overwhelming force and destructive power.” “Now is the time to take control of your destiny and unleash the prosperous and glorious future that lies within you. This is the time to take action. Don’t let it pass.”

While Trump focused part of his message on empowering the Iranian people, he stated that the purpose of the operation was to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” which he described as “evil” and “very tough, scary people.”

Trump also said that there may be American casualties as a result, but that the mission is “noble” because it aims to stop an “evil, radical dictatorship” from threatening American national security interests and destabilizing the Middle East.

“I do not take this statement lightly; Iran is trying to kill the regime,” he said. “The lives of brave American heroes may be lost, and we may suffer casualties, which often happens in war. But we are not doing this for now. We are doing this for the future, and this is a noble duty.”

TRUMP ADMIN INCREASED IRAN SANCTIONS TO ‘MAXIMUM PRESSURE’ AHEAD OF NEW NUCLEAR TALKS

People watch as smoke rises on the horizon after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. (AP Photo)

Trump said he had made repeated failed attempts to negotiate a deal with Iran, accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program, and called it the “world’s number one sponsor of terrorism.”

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

TRUMP SAYS HE IS ‘CONSIDERING’ A LIMITED MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN TO PUT PRESSURE FOR A NUCLEAR DEAL

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

“This is a very simple message. They will never have nuclear weapons. This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the power and might of the US Armed Forces,” Trump said.

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

Smoke rises on the horizon after the explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, February 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

The military operation came hours after Trump told reporters on Friday that he was “not happy” with the state of nuclear negotiations.

The two countries had been in indirect talks, and Trump gave Iran about 10 to 15 days on February 19 to reach a deal. In his State of the Union address, he emphasized that his efforts towards a deal were backed by force.

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Trump has repeatedly warned of serious consequences for the Iranian regime if the talks ultimately fail.

“This was mass terrorism, and we will not put up with it anymore,” Trump said.

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