Below is the content of President Trump’s speech after the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iran:
“A few moments ago, the United States military began large-scale combat operations in Iran. Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating the imminent threats from the Iranian regime—a brutal and dangerous group.
Their aggressive actions directly threaten America, our troops, our overseas bases, and our allies around the world.
For the past 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and conducted a relentless campaign of bloodshed against the United States, our soldiers, and innocent people in many nations.
One of the first acts of this regime was backing the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days.
In 1983, Iranian proxies carried out the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 American service members.
In 2000, they knew of and may have been involved in the attack on the USS Cole. Many lives were lost. Iranian forces have also caused casualties for hundreds of American service members in Iraq.
The regime's proxies continue to launch numerous attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East, as well as on U.S. naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes.
This is large-scale terrorism, and we will tolerate it no longer.
From Lebanon to Yemen, from Syria to Iraq, this regime has armed, trained, and funded destabilizing armed forces, leaving the region soaked in blood.
It was Iran’s proxy—Hamas—that carried out the October 7th attack on Israel, killing over 1,000 people, including 46 American citizens, and taking 12 Americans hostage.
Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and has recently suppressed tens of thousands of its own people as they protested in the streets.
U.S. policy, particularly under my administration, has always been clear: this regime must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. I repeat, they will never have nuclear weapons.
That is why last June, during Operation Midnight Hammer, we destroyed their nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Following that attack, we warned them not to restart their nuclear program and repeatedly sought an agreement. But Iran rejected every opportunity to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Instead, they sought to rebuild the program and develop long-range missiles that could threaten our European allies, troops abroad, and even the American homeland.
Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they possessed nuclear weapons.
For these reasons, the U.S. military is conducting a large-scale and sustained campaign to stop this dangerous dictatorship from threatening our national security. We will destroy their missiles; we will level their missile industry. They will be wiped out.
We will neutralize their navy. We will ensure their proxies no longer have the capability to destabilize the region or attack American soldiers.
We will ensure Iran does not have nuclear weapons. The message is simple: they will never have nuclear weapons.
This regime will soon understand that no one challenges the power of the United States military.
I built and rebuilt the military during my first term. No force in the world matches our strength and technology.
My administration has taken every possible step to minimize risks to U.S. personnel in the region. However, war always carries the potential for loss. We act for the future.
We pray for every soldier sacrificing for their country. We believe they will be victorious.
To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the armed forces, and the police: lay down your weapons, and you will be granted full immunity. Otherwise, you will face certain death.
Lay down your weapons. You will be treated fairly, or you will face severe consequences.
Finally, to the people of Iran: your moment of freedom has arrived. Stay indoors because it is dangerous outside. When we are finished, take over your government. This opportunity may be unique for generations.
For years, you have desired American support, but no president was willing to do what I am doing today. America stands with you with overwhelming power.
This is the time to seize your destiny and usher in a prosperous future. Do not miss it.
May God bless the American soldiers. May God bless America. May God bless you all. Thank you.”
