- US President Donald Trump announced a “massive and ongoing” military campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury against Iran
- In a video speech on Truth Social, Trump said US forces have begun major combat operations aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear program.
- The escalation follows earlier strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer targeting nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
President of the United States Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “massive and ongoing” military campaign against Iran.
Source: Getty Images
The operations mark the biggest intervention of his second term and a major shift from his earlier pledge to end the protracted foreign war.
In a video speech released early Saturday, February 28, on Truth Social, Trump said the United States has begun major combat operations inside Iran under the so-called “Epic Fury.”
Why did Trump say the operation in Iran was important?
He described the move as necessary to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon and to protect US troops, allies and their interests from what he called potential threats posed by the Iranian regime.
“Not long ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating the perceived threats from the Iranian regime, a brutal group of very violent, evil people. Its threatening activities directly endanger the United States, our military, our bases abroad, and our allies around the world,” Trump said.
Standing behind the podium, wearing a navy suit and a baseball cap emblazoned with “USA,” Trump announced that the goal was clear: Iran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
He said the US military will destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, destroy its missile industry and reduce its naval power, adding that Washington will also target Tehran’s network of regional proxies.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, saying he did not make the decision lightly, saying the mission was aimed at protecting future generations.
“My administration has taken every possible step to reduce the risk to American personnel in the area. However, and I do not say this lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of brave American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we are not doing this now. We are doing this for the future, and it is a good mission,” he explained.
What is the goal of the United States in targeting Iran?
At the heart of the escalation is Iran’s nuclear program, with Trump saying Tehran has repeatedly rejected opportunities to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
He referred to a previous US operation, “Midnight Hammer,” in which US forces targeted nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
According to Trump, despite the warnings issued after the attacks, Iran tried to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure and develop long-range missile technology capable of threatening US allies in Europe and possibly America.
“It has always been the policy of the United States, especially my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That’s why, in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we dismantled the regime’s nuclear program in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. They refused every opportunity to abandon their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t tolerate it anymore,” Trump said.
Also read
Wavinya Ndeti: Laughter as the governor of Machakos bites his tongue while reading English
He argued that the Iranian regime’s history, from supporting militant groups across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen to supporting Hamas during the October 7 attacks on Israel, underscored the dangers of allowing it to acquire nuclear weapons.
The large-scale military campaign is the eighth intervention of Trump’s second term and is likely to be criticized by Democrats in Congress, especially due to the lack of official approval.
Source: Getty Images
Critics argue that such broad attacks require legal authorization, as was the case before the US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11 attacks.
In a dramatic move, Trump addressed the Iranian people directly, urging them to seize what he described as a rare opportunity to take control of their government.
He told members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security forces to lay down their weapons, offering immunity as an alternative to dire consequences.
“For many years, you have asked for the help of the United States, but you did not get it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who gives you what you want, so let’s see how you will respond. America supports you with great power and strong power. Now is the time to take control of your destiny and release the prosperous and glorious future that is around you. This is the time to act. Do not let it pass,” he added.
Shortly after the announcement, Iran fired retaliatory missiles towards Israel, Qatar and the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, according to international news agencies.
How did Kenya respond to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran?
elsewhere, Kenya Airways announced that it has suspended its scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates indefinitely following the closure of UAE airspace.
In a statement, the national airline said operations to Dubai and Sharjah have been suspended due to air restrictions.
The airline confirmed that four passenger services were affected and expressed its condolences to travelers who were disrupted by the cancellation of the flights.
It revealed that flights KQ310, KQ305, KQ311, KQ304 and related cargo ship operations were canceled to protect the safety of passengers and crew.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
