‘Surrender or face certain death': Trump's war update as US-Israel strikes rock Iran – top quotes

US President Donald Trump said that the United States is carrying out one of the “largest” military offensives in modern history. In a video message posted on Truth Social, Trump described “Operation Epic Fury” as an overwhelming joint effort with Israel, saying hundreds of targets had been struck across Iran in the past 36 hours. The strikes, which US officials say were months in planning, have hit Revolutionary Guard facilities, air defence systems and naval assets.



The dramatic escalation has already triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on Israel and sites across the Gulf. US Central Command confirmed that three American service members were killed. Across the region, fears are mounting of a wider war, with global markets and air travel disrupted and Western allies weighing further defensive action.

What Trump said in his video address

1. “Over the past 36 hours, the United States and its partners have launched Operation Epic Fury, one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen.”
2. “We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iran, Iranian air defense systems.”
3. “Just now it was announced that we knocked out nine ships plus their naval building, all in a matter of literally minutes.”
4. “Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei is dead. This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands.”
5. “Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three US Military servicemembers have been killed in action… As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
6. “Combat operations continue at this time in full force. And they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved.”
7. “An Iranian regime armed with long range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American. We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons.”
8. “The United States has the strongest military the world has ever seen… But we are now using that military for good.”
9. “For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan, death to America or Death to Israel or both.”
10. “I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death… I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment.”

Trump ended by telling viewers: “I made a promise to you and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we'll be there to help.”