By Vera Bergengruen
President Trump said the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that began early Saturday are meant to eliminate what he called "imminent threats" from the Iranian regime and to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The goal was to ensure Americans "will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran," he said in an eight-minute video posted at 2:30 a.m.
Trump didn't make the case for why the threat was "imminent," instead framing the strikes as a response to long-standing hostility from the Iranian regime, which he said threatened U.S. troops and bases overseas as well as its allies.
He said his administration had repeatedly sought a deal with Iran, but that Tehran refused and instead tried to rebuild its nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at Iranian ballistic-missile sites.
Both leaders urged Iranians to rise up after the strikes, calling for regime change. "When we are finished, take over your government," Trump said. "This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 28, 2026 10:23 ET (15:23 GMT)
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