Trump tells Iranians the 'hour of your freedom is at hand' as US-Israel launch strikes against Iran

By Fox News · Fox News

President Donald Trump encouraged the Iranian people to take over their government once the United States and Israel finished "major combat operations" in Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. and Israel launched the joint attack just after 9 a.m. local time in what the Pentagon has dubbed "Operation Epic Fury." In video remarks posted to Truth Social, Trump addressed the Iranian people directly and told them to "seize control of [their] destiny." "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. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," Trump said. "This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No President was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a President who is giving you what you want." LEAVITT SAYS TRUMP CHOOSES DIPLOMACY FIRST FOR IRAN, BUT REMAINS 'WILLING TO USE' LETHAL FORCE IF NECESSARY "America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force," Trump directed at Iranians. "Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass." While Trump focused some of his message on empowering the people of Iran, he stated that the intent of the operation is to " defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," which he described as "vicious" and "very hard, terrible people." Trump also said that while there may be American casualties as a result, the mission is "noble" as it is aimed at stopping a "wicked, radical dictatorship" from threatening American national security interests and destabilizing the Middle East. "I do not make this statement lightly; the Iranian regime seeks to kill," he said. "The lives of…