Donald Trump announced the launch of large-scale combat operations against Iran, marking a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.

He said the primary objective is to defend the American people by neutralizing what he described as “imminent threats” posed by the Iranian government.

Trump also characterized the Iranian leadership as “an evil group of cruel and bad people,” reiterating that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

He further warned that Iran is developing long-range missile capabilities that could threaten the United States and its allies.

“We will dismantle their naval fleet and ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon,” he said.