In a dramatic televised address following joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran, United States President Donald Trump issued a direct and uncompromising warning to Iranian forces: stand down or face deadly consequences.
The strikes, launched under the codenames Operation Roar of the Lion (Israel) and Operation Epic Fury (United States), targeted key Iranian government and military installations. Among the reported targets were strategic facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, as well as prominent government establishments, including the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian President.
Watch Video: President Trump’s televised Video
Confirming US involvement, Trump said the military action was aimed at preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure and eliminating what he described as an “immediate threat” to American interests.
Sharing a video message on his Truth Social account, the US President issued a direct ultimatum to Iranian forces.
“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms, you will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,”
The warning followed days of heightened tension after Trump expressed dissatisfaction over stalled nuclear negotiations with Tehran and demanded firm assurances that Iran would never develop a nuclear bomb.
Defending the operation, Trump stated that the objective was to neutralize threats emerging from Iran’s nuclear rebuilding efforts.
“Our objective is to defend the people of America by eliminating the immediate threats from the Iranian regime, a group of very hard, vicious, and terrible people. Its menacing activities directly cause danger to the US troops, people, and allies across the world,”
He further emphasized that the United States would not allow Iran to advance toward nuclear weapons capability under any circumstances.
In a striking move, Trump also addressed the people of Iran directly, referencing public unrest and protests against the current leadership.
“Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
The statement marks one of the most forceful public ultimatums issued by a US President toward Iran in recent years. The situation remains tense, with the region on high alert amid fears of escalation.
