U.S. and Israel Launch Coordinated Airstrikes on Iran

The United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran early Saturday morning. President Donald Trump announced in an eight-minute video statement posted to social media that the U.S. was undertaking a "massive and ongoing operation" to end the Iranian threat and called for regime change in Tehran.

In his address, Trump stated that the objective of Operation Epic Fury is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. He emphasized that Iran's menacing activities directly endanger the United States, its troops, bases overseas, and allies throughout the world. The president highlighted Iran's history of chanting "Death to America" and waging a campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the U.S., its troops, and innocent people in many countries.

Trump recounted several instances of Iranian aggression against the United States, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, the attack on the USS Cole, and ongoing attacks against American forces in the Middle East. He also noted Iran's role in arming and funding terrorist militias across the region.

The president emphasized that Iran is the world's number one state sponsor of terror and has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens during recent protests. He reiterated his administration's policy that Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, citing last June's Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran's nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Trump acknowledged the risks involved in military actions and expressed concern for potential American casualties. He called on members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, armed forces, and police to lay down their weapons and have complete immunity or face certain death. Additionally, he urged the Iranian people to stay sheltered during the attacks and take over their government when the operation is finished.

Trump's announcement has sparked a divisive response among lawmakers, with Republicans largely rallying behind his decision while Democrats denounce it as an illegal "war of choice." Democratic leaders have vowed to force a vote on a war powers resolution next week in the House that would block Trump from carrying out additional strikes.