Washington, March 2 – US President Donald Trump described the extensive American military assault on Iran as "one of the largest, most complex, and most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen," declaring that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead and vowing that combat operations will continue "until all of our objectives are achieved."
In an address to the nation posted on Truth Social, outlining what he said was a 36-hour campaign, Trump described "Operation Epic Fury" as unprecedented in scale.
"Nobody has ever seen anything like it. We have targeted hundreds of sites in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities and Iranian air defense systems," he said.
He added that "we disabled nine ships and their naval base, all in a matter of minutes."
Trump declared that "Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead," calling him "this wretched and vile man" who "had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for the slaughter of countless innocent people across many countries."
He claimed that "across Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced."
According to Trump, "the entire military command is gone, and many of them want to surrender to save their lives."
"They want immunity. They're calling for it by the thousands," he said.
He confirmed American casualties. "Earlier today, CENTCOM announced that three US military service members have been killed in action," he said.
"As one nation, we mourn for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives," Trump added.
He acknowledged the possibility of further losses. "And sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that's the way it is," he said, adding, "we will do everything possible to prevent that from happening."
Framing the campaign as necessary to prevent future threats, Trump said, "We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons that would allow them to extort the world to their evil will."
"These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and numerous threats," he said.
He urged Iranian forces to stand down. "I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death," Trump said. "It will be a gruesome death."
In a direct appeal to Iranians, he added: "I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you."
