New Delhi : US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the initiation of major military operations in Iran, citing threats to American citizens and national security. A video statement of the President’s address was released on social media.
In his statement, Trump warned Iranian security forces to “put down your weapons and seek complete safety, or face death,” while urging the Iranian population to remain indoors for their safety. “Stay safe. Don’t leave your homes. There’s a lot of danger outside. Bombs could fall everywhere,” he said.
The President framed the military action as part of a broader campaign to neutralize immediate threats from Iran. He accused the Iranian regime of longstanding hostility toward the US, referencing incidents such as the 1979 US embassy occupation in Tehran and the 1983 bombing of Marine barracks in Beirut. Trump labeled Iran the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism and reaffirmed that it would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Referring to Operation Midnight Hammer conducted in June, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, Trump said the country had rejected all opportunities to abandon its nuclear ambitions. He added that the current operations aim to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities.
Acknowledging the risks of conflict, Trump said, “Brave American soldiers may lose their lives, and some may be injured. This is the nature of war.” Analysts note that the ongoing military action could be among the largest US interventions in West Asia in recent decades.
The announcement also raises concerns about potential regional and global impacts. India, with deep cultural ties to Iran and an expanding strategic partnership with the US, could be affected through disruptions in energy supplies, regional stability, and the safety of millions of Indian nationals residing in West Asia.