US President Donald Trump has released a video statement detailing the ongoing joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran. In the message, posted on his Truth Social account, Trump announced that three US soldiers were killed in the clashes and warned that "there may be more." He issued a direct ultimatum to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Iranian army, and police forces, offering "complete immunity" if they surrender, or "certain death" if they do not.
Israel has claimed that the coordinated first wave of attacks inflicted significant damage on Iran's military leadership. According to Israeli reports, 40 high-ranking commanders were killed, most in simultaneous airstrikes at two separate locations. Among the reported casualties was Iranian Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Abdoorahim Mousavi, whose death was later confirmed by Iranian state media.
In a subsequent statement at a Medal of Honor ceremony, Trump elaborated on the US objectives. He asserted that the operations were progressing faster than planned and that the US was "determined to achieve its objectives." Trump justified the actions by citing Iran's rapidly developing ballistic missile program, claiming Tehran possessed missiles capable of striking Europe and was nearing a range that could target the United States.
"A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable to the United States," Trump stated, arguing that Iran had not abandoned its nuclear ambitions. He announced that 10 Iranian ships have been destroyed so far and that the operations, initially expected to last 4 to 5 weeks, might take longer. Despite this, he expressed confidence, stating the US is "ahead of expectations" and will "easily win." A primary goal, according to Trump, is to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities and prevent it from financing and commanding armed groups abroad, calling this effort "our last and best opportunity."
