In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, President Donald Trump announced that the United States has begun what he described as “large-scale military operations in Iran.”

Below is the full rewritten version of the speech:

Not long ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to protect the American people by eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime — a brutal, extremist, and dangerous group. Their hostile activities directly endanger the United States, our service members, our overseas bases, and our allies around the world.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted “Death to America” and carried out a relentless campaign of bloodshed and violence targeting the United States, our troops, and innocent people across multiple nations. One of its earliest actions was backing the violent seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, where dozens of Americans were held hostage for 444 days. In 1983, Iranian-backed proxies bombed the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 American service members.

In 2000, they knew about and may have been involved in the attack on the USS Cole, which claimed American lives. Iranian forces killed and wounded hundreds of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. In recent years, their proxies have launched countless attacks against U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East, as well as American naval vessels, commercial ships, and international shipping routes. This is mass terrorism, and we will no longer tolerate it.

From Lebanon to Yemen, from Syria to Iraq, this regime has armed, trained, and funded terrorist militias, leaving bloodshed across the region. Hamas — an Iranian proxy — carried out the horrific October 7 attacks against Israel, murdering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 American citizens, and taking 12 Americans hostage. It was an act of unprecedented brutality.

Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Recently, it has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens who protested in the streets. It has long been U.S. policy — especially under my administration — that this terrorist regime must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. I repeat: they will never have a nuclear weapon.

That is why, during Operation “Midnight Hammer” last June, we completely destroyed their nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. After that strike, we warned them not to continue pursuing nuclear weapons and repeatedly sought an agreement. We tried. At times they seemed willing; at other times they did not. They do not know what they are doing. They only seek to continue wrongdoing. But Iran refused, as it has for decades.

They rejected every opportunity to abandon their nuclear ambitions. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and develop long-range missiles capable of threatening our European allies, our troops overseas, and even the American homeland. Imagine how emboldened this regime would be if it possessed nuclear weapons.

For these reasons, the United States military is conducting a large-scale, sustained campaign to prevent this extremist dictatorship from threatening America and our core security interests. We will destroy their missiles and dismantle their missile industry. We will eliminate their navy. We will ensure that terrorist proxies in the region can no longer destabilize and attack our forces, or use roadside bombs to kill thousands, including many Americans. And we will ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons. The message is simple: they will never have nuclear weapons.

This regime will soon understand that no one challenges the power and might of the United States military. I rebuilt our military in my first term, and no force in the world compares in strength, capability, or technology. My administration is taking every measure to minimize risk to American personnel in the region. However, I do not say this lightly — the Iranian regime is seeking to kill. There may be casualties. That is the reality of war. But we act not only for today, but for the future. This is a noble mission.

We pray for every service member risking their life to ensure that Americans and our children are never threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. May God protect our heroes. And with His help, we will prevail.

To members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Iranian military, and police forces: lay down your weapons and you will be granted full immunity. If you do not, you will face certain death. Lay down your weapons. You will be treated fairly with full immunity — or you will face death.

Finally, to the proud people of Iran: your moment of freedom has arrived. Stay inside. Outside is dangerous. Bombs will fall everywhere. When we are finished, reclaim your government. It will belong to you. This may be your only opportunity in generations.

For years, you have called for help from America, and you did not receive it. No president was willing to do what I am doing tonight. Now you have a president giving you what you wanted. Let us see how you respond. America stands behind you with overwhelming power and destructive force. This is the moment to act. Do not miss it.

May God bless the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
May God bless America.
And may God bless you all.

Thank you.