Six key lines from Trump's statement on Iran strikes

February 28, 2026

President Trump announced military strikes against Iran in the early morning hours of Saturday, describing the action as a "massive and ongoing operation" aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and calling for regime change in Tehran. Trump justified the strikes by citing "imminent threats" to American interests, though his claims about Iran's weapons capabilities contradict US intelligence assessments, and the timing appears strategically motivated by Iran's perceived domestic weakness following regional conflicts and protest crackdowns. The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, was launched without congressional authorization and while mediated negotiations were ongoing, with Oman claiming a breakthrough was near.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and his administration
The Iranian regime, including the Supreme Leader, Islamic Revolutionary Guard, armed forces, and police
Iranian citizens and protesters
American military troops and personnel stationed at overseas bases
US congressional lawmakers, particularly Democrats and Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel
US allies throughout the world, particularly Arab allies with monarchies
Oman (as mediator in negotiations)
Vice-President JD Vance and the MAGA base
Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro (referenced as comparison)

What action is being taken

The US military is conducting Operation Epic Fury, described as a "massive and ongoing operation" involving military strikes on Iran
Trump is calling for regime change in Tehran
The administration is briefing congressional leaders on the operation
Trump is making direct appeals to Iranian military forces to surrender and to Iranian citizens to overthrow their government

Why it matters

This represents an escalation to a war of attempted regime change that could fundamentally reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics and carries enormous risks. The operation threatens to draw the US into a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict despite Trump's campaign promises to end "forever wars," potentially alienating his political base. The strikes could unleash uncontrollable civil conflict within Iran, trigger a wider regional war involving American allies whose monarchies fear domestic instability, and result in American military casualties. Additionally, Trump launched the strikes without congressional authorization while negotiations were reportedly near a breakthrough, raising constitutional questions and angering lawmakers who demand oversight. The outcome will significantly impact Trump's legacy and his stated goal of being seen as a peacemaker, as failure could undermine his push for recognition as a champion of peace while success could cement his second-term foreign policy achievements.

What's next

Mediated talks between the US and Iran were scheduled to continue next week (though the strikes may have disrupted this)
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated he hopes the administration will brief "all senators" on the operation
The administration is expected to face growing pressure from Congress to justify the operation
Trump is encouraging Iranian citizens to "take over your government" when the US operation is finished
Midterm elections are scheduled for November, by which Trump may seek to tout military victory

Read full article from source: BBC