WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV — In a decisive move to protect American interests and allies in the Middle East, the United States, in conjunction with Israel, has initiated military strikes against Iran. This action comes after weeks of escalating tensions and a necessary buildup of U.S. military presence in the region, aimed at deterring Iranian aggression.

President Donald Trump announced the commencement of operations in a video posted to his Truth Social account. "A short time ago the United States military began major combat operations in Iran," Trump stated, underscoring the imperative to defend the American people from the clear and present danger posed by the Iranian regime.

"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. It's menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world," Trump asserted. This echoes the administration's long-held stance that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and a destabilizing force in the region.

President Trump rightly stated that the U.S. had "sought repeatedly to make a deal" but Iran "rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions." This reflects the failure of diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, a development that would pose an unacceptable threat to the United States and its allies. The current action is a necessary step to prevent Iran from achieving this dangerous capability.

Trump's pledge to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground" signals a commitment to dismantling Iran's offensive capabilities and preventing future aggression. His direct message to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, urging them to "lay down your arms… or you will face certain death," is a clear warning to those who threaten American security.

The call to the Iranian people – "your hour of freedom is at hand… when we are finished take over your government, it will be yours to take" – reflects the belief that the Iranian people deserve a government that respects their rights and does not engage in acts of terror and aggression. This action is not an attack on the Iranian people but a liberation from a tyrannical regime.

In Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz rightly described the operation as a preemptive action aimed at neutralizing threats against Israel. A 48-hour state of emergency has been declared nationwide, and air raid sirens have sounded across Israel, demonstrating the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran.

As Iranian government media report rocket fire in Tehran, it is clear that Iran's aggressive actions necessitated a firm response. The United States and Israel are acting in self-defense to protect their citizens and maintain stability in the Middle East.