U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States had begun what he called “major combat operations” against Iran, openly acknowledging that American troops could be killed as the conflict escalates.
Trump said the strikes are meant to destroy Iranian missiles and cripple naval forces, following repeated warnings from Washington and Israel over Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Critics, however, say the sudden escalation raises questions about timing, with some arguing the conflict is distracting attention from mounting controversy surrounding the Epstein files and political pressure on the administration.
“My administration has taken every possible step to minimise the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill,” Trump said in a video shared on Truth Social.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties that often happens in war, but we’re doing this, not for now. We’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.”
The blunt admission that casualties are expected alarmed critics, who say the president appears willing to risk American lives while offering few details about long-term strategy or exit plans. Some opponents argue the administration is treating potential troop losses as an acceptable political cost.
The Pentagon said the operation, dubbed “EPIC FURY,” could last several days. It marks the second time U.S. forces have struck Iran since Trump returned to office last year, following earlier attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian officials have warned of retaliation, while Israeli authorities reported missile launches toward Israel shortly after the latest strikes began, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
In his message, Trump urged members of Iran’s military to surrender, promising immunity if they complied. The alternative, he said, is “certain death.” Washington and Tehran recently held multiple rounds of talks over Iran’s nuclear program, with the most recent negotiations ending without agreement.
“Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump said. The president has also encouraged Iranians to overthrow their government once the strikes are complete.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he said.
The decision to launch another military campaign has triggered intense political backlash. Some critics claim the escalation conveniently shifts attention away from unresolved questions surrounding the Epstein investigation, while others speculate that pressure from Israeli leadership may be influencing U.S. policy.
The administration has rejected such claims, but the timing of the operation — alongside Trump’s own warning that American casualties are likely — has fueled debate over whether U.S. troops are being placed in harm’s way for unclear strategic or political goals.
“and we can’t take it anymore,”
You’ve got to be kidding.