US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States intends to destroy key elements of Iran’s military infrastructure, including its navy and missile facilities, while also urging Iranians to rise against their government.
In a video address released after reports that US and Israeli forces launched bombing operations in Iran, Trump stated that the objective of the campaign is to eliminate what he described as imminent threats from Tehran and to weaken the Islamic Republic’s military capabilities.
From his Florida residence, in a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that US forces would target Iran’s missile industry and naval assets.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy,” he said.
Addressing the Iranian public, Trump encouraged citizens to take control of their government once operations conclude. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” he said, describing the moment as a potential opportunity for political change.
He also called on members of Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and police units, to surrender, offering what he described as immunity or facing “certain death.”
Trump justified the military action by saying it was aimed at protecting the United States and its allies from threats linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
He claimed Iran had attempted to rebuild its nuclear capabilities and develop long-range missiles that could threaten Europe, US troops stationed abroad, and possibly the American mainland.
He warned civilians that the bombing campaign would be extensive and urged residents to stay indoors.
“Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” he said.
The escalation came after Trump ordered one of the largest US military deployments to the Middle East in recent years. Although he had earlier stated that no final decision on an attack had been made, diplomatic discussions were reportedly ongoing.
Oman had mediated talks between US and Iranian officials in Geneva. Its top diplomat expressed optimism about a possible compromise after meeting US Vice President JD Vance and reporting that Iran had agreed to halt stockpiling enriched uranium above limits that could be used for weaponisation — a claim Tehran has denied.
Trump previously ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in June amid support for an Israeli military campaign, further intensifying tensions between Washington and Tehran.
