President Trump shook the world Saturday by proclaiming the start of comprehensive US combat operations in Iran. His message to security forces was uncompromising: ‘Drop your weapons for protection, or meet your end.’ To Iran’s citizens, he promised: ‘Freedom is at hand now.’ In a safety directive, he implored everyone to stay inside, warning of imminent bombing risks.
‘Protection means staying home—outside is perilous, bombs can strike without warning,’ he said. These moves build on recent US strikes to shield Americans and counter Iran’s provocations. Trump traced the regime’s antagonism back 47 years, invoking the 1979 embassy takeover in Tehran and 1983 Beirut barracks explosion that killed Marines.
Dubbed the top terrorist financier worldwide, Iran is barred from nuclear arms under Trump’s policy. He touted Operation Midnight Hammer’s triumphs in razed nuclear plants at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Despite chances to pivot, Iran clung to its atomic dreams.
The current offensive seeks total eradication of missile and sea-based threats to US interests. ‘War claims lives of our valiant soldiers and wounds others—that’s the harsh reality,’ Trump admitted. This could rival the biggest US engagements in West Asia over decades.
India watches closely, balancing historic Iran links with robust US alliances. Prolonged fighting risks energy disruptions, instability, and threats to Indian communities in the region.