Trump tells Iranian people to take over their govt once US done bombing country

The U.S. military has commenced "major combat operations" in Iran, confirmed U.S. president Donald Trump in a Feb. 28 address on Truth Social.

The objective is to eliminate "imminent threats" from the Iranian regime, namely its nuclear programme, he said.

He said that after the U.S.' air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Jun. 22, 2025, they "sought repeatedly to make a deal", but reached no resolution.

"They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can't take it anymore," Trump said.

He claimed that Iran's "terrorist regime" puts the U.S. and its allies in Europe at risk, and threatens America's "core national security interests":

"We are going to destroy their missiles, and raze their missile industry to the ground... We are going to annihilate their navy....

This regime will soon learn that no-one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces."

"Certain death"

While warning Iranian armed forces to lay down their arms or risk "certain death", Trump further urged the Iranian people to overthrow their government.

"I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand... When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," he said.

He also warned civilians to not leave their homes, as "bombs will be dropping everywhere".

In early January, Trump threatened to bomb Iran after security forces cracked down on nationwide anti-government protests that killed thousands.

"Help is on its way," he told protestors, according to the BBC.

Trump added by telling Iranian civilians:

This will be probably 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 willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So, let's see how you respond.

Attack on Tehran

Earlier on Saturday (Singapore time), Israel launched a "pre-emptive strike" against Iran, with explosions heard in Tehran, the capital.

It declared a state of emergency immediately after, in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently said it had launched a wave of missiles and drones on Israel, reported the New York Times.

The Israeli military confirmed that the joint U.S.-Isaeli attack has struck "dozens of military targets" in Iran so far.

Top image from Donald Trump/Truth Social and AFP