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US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 28) announced that American forces have started ‘major combat operations’ against Iran.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 28) announced that American forces have started ‘major combat operations’ against Iran. This comes after the Israeli Defence Ministry on Saturday announced “preemptive strikes” on Tehran. Israeli media reported that about 30 targets across Iran have been struck so far, including the Iranian President’s residence and an intelligence headquarters.
Trump said, “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.”
Trump further said, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am doing tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So, let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating strength.”
Trump also warned the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police to lay down or face death.
“To the Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must all 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.”
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, are unknown after Israel, allegedly in a joint move with the United States, carried out a targeted preemptive strike near his headquarters in Tehran. It remains uncertain whether Khamenei was at his headquarters during the strike or if he sustained injuries from it. Citing an Iranian official, Reuters reported that the supreme leader was moved to a secure location.