U.S. President Donald Trump has framed the joint military operations against Iran as a mission to secure “freedom” for the Iranian people. In a high-stakes phone call with The Washington Post, Trump asserted that the objective of the coordinated strikes is to create a “safe nation” and urged Iranian citizens to “take over” their government. This declaration came as bombs targeted multiple strategic locations across Iran, including areas near the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking a transition into what Trump described as a full-scale conflict.
The military toll of the operation has been catastrophic for the Iranian leadership. Reports citing Israeli officials indicate that Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were killed in the strikes. At least 50 people have been confirmed dead so far. In a chilling ultimatum, Trump warned Iranian forces to surrender or face “certain death,” while promising immunity to those who lay down their arms. He cautioned civilians to remain sheltered, warning that “bombs will be dropping everywhere” during this historic escalation.
On the diplomatic front, the situation remains extremely volatile as Iran alleges that the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed that an Israeli strike hit a girls’ primary school, resulting in dozens of deaths, and vowed that a retaliatory response is forthcoming. As the Middle East teeters on the edge of a wider war, these developments follow weeks of failed nuclear negotiations and mounting military posturing between the United States, Israel, and the Iranian regime.
