'Let’s see how you respond': Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over government’ after military action

Addressing the Iranian people, Trump said, 'America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force'
UPDATED FEB 28, 2026
Donald Trump announced in a video on Truth Social that the US military has begun major combat operations in Iran (@realDonaldTrump/X, AP)
Donald Trump announced in a video on Truth Social that the US military has begun major combat operations in Iran (@realDonaldTrump/X, AP)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has urged Iran's military forces to lay down their weapons and call on Iran's civilians to rise and "take over your government" after the US and Israeli strikes. 

In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, Trump called the action a “major combat operation”. He noted that the strikes specifically targeted Iran amid its attempts to rebuild its nuclear program.

Addressing the Iranian people, Trump said, “Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond.” He added, “America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.” The US and Israel carried out the attacks early Saturday, February 28, following weeks of Trump's warning Tehran to negotiate a new deal to curb its nuclear ambitions. 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 27: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Port of Corpus Christi on February 27, 2026 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Trump visited Texas to deliver remarks on affordability and economic issues less than a week before the state's midterm primary elections on March 3rd. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks at the Port of Corpus Christi on February 27, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas ( Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

Trump tells Iranians 'the hour of your freedom is at hand' after strikes

Donald Trump announced that the US military has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, declaring that the country will never achieve a nuclear program. He said, “A short time ago. The United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people."

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

Trump further claimed that Iran has “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe. He described the US campaign as a “massive” effort aimed to “prevent this very wicked radical dictatorship from threatening America.”

Addressing the Iranian people, Trump said, “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 when we are finished."

US and Israel Launch Major Military Strikes on Iran (AP)
Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

He called on the Iranian people to take “over” their government, emphasizing the urgency of the moment: “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, so let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach," Trump said. 

Trump tells Iran’s military to lay down weapons or 'face death'

Following the announcement of large-scale military strikes on Iran, Trump warned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and armed forces to “lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or… face certain death.” 

He challenged the Islamic Republic regime not to resist, emphasizing that any retaliation would bring severe consequences for threatening not only their own people but also American citizens over the years.

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