President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to launch escalating military strikes against Iran in the coming days, following a coordinated wave of attacks by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic early on Saturday morning. This development comes as tensions in the Middle East reach a critical juncture, with both sides engaging in aggressive military maneuvers.
Immediate Retaliation from Tehran
As Americans were waking up on Saturday, Tehran had already responded forcefully to the initial assaults. Iranian forces retaliated against Israel and targeted US military installations in several key Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. In a dramatic incident, the Palm Jumeirah Fairmont Hotel in Dubai, a popular tourist destination, was seen engulfed in flames following a rocket strike, highlighting the widespread impact of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia Reports Repelled Attacks
Saudi Arabia, which lacks formal diplomatic relations with Israel but maintains close ties with the Trump administration, also reported that Iran had targeted its capital, Riyadh. Fortunately, these attacks were successfully repelled by Saudi defenses, preventing further escalation in the region.
Trump's Battle Plan and Operation Epic Fury
According to CNN, a senior US official revealed that President Trump's battle plan consists of escalating attacks with strategic pauses, known as off-ramps, to assess damage. These strikes are expected to occur over a one to two-day period, with the overall campaign potentially lasting for weeks. The initial assault, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury' by Trump, marked the first combat use of 'one-way attack drones,' also referred to as 'kamikaze' drones, which fly into targets and detonate upon impact.
Prior to deploying these drones, Tomahawk missiles were used to neutralize Iran's air defenses. A US official confirmed to Fox News Channel that 'we have effectively suppressed their air defenses,' allowing for focused strikes on high-value targets. These targets included assets crucial to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and underground facilities suspected to be part of Iran's nuclear program.
Trump's Overnight Address from Mar-a-Lago
President Trump announced the US strikes in an eight-minute video message posted to Truth Social at 2:30 a.m. ET from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He stated that he had ordered a 'major' strike on Iran after nuclear negotiations between the two countries had broken down. 'Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,' Trump declared, reiterating his stance that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Warnings of Potential American Casualties
While Trump's previous military actions in his second term, such as the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the 'Midnight Hammer' attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, did not result in US servicemember deaths, he issued a sober warning this time. 'Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill,' Trump said. 'The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties.' He added, 'That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing this for the future and it is a noble mission.'
Call to the Iranian People
In his address, Trump condemned the Iranian regime and its proxies for creating 'mass terror' globally and pointed to Tehran's recent domestic crackdown on protesters. Recalling his mid-January promise of help to those protesters, he urged the Iranian people to take control of their government, established after the 1979 revolution. 'Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered, don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,' Trump advised. 'When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.'
The situation remains fluid, with smoke plumes reported over Tehran, Abu Dhabi, and off the coast of Haifa in northern Israel, underscoring the widespread nature of the conflict. As the US and Iran brace for further escalations, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for a prolonged military engagement in the Middle East.
