World
US President Donald Trump speaks in a video address on March 1, 2026. Photo: Screengrab/ Donald J. Trump/ Truth Social
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US President Donald Trump announced an ongoing military campaign against Iran in a video address, declaring that American forces and their partners have launched what he described as an unprecedented offensive and vowing that operations will continue until Washington’s objectives are met.
“Over the past 36 hours, the United States and its partners have launched Operation Epic Fury, one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen. Nobody seen anything like it,” Trump said.
He emphasized that combat operations which led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other Iranian leaders on Saturday will "continue at this time in full force," adding that "they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives.”
He detailed extensive strikes across Iran, stating that they have “hundreds of targets in Iran including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems," adding that they "knocked out nine ships plus their naval building all in a matter of literally minutes.”
The president confirmed American casualties, noting, “CENTCOM shared the news that three US military service members have been killed in action.”
Trump framed the operation as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring advanced weapons.
“An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” he said.
“We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons that would allow them to extort the world to their evil will.”
Declaring American resolve unwavering, Trump concluded with a direct message to Iranian forces and citizens.
“I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military and police to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,” he said, before calling on “all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment” and adding that "America is with you."
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