Trump’s nine words before launching military strikes on Iran revealed

WASHINGTON, DC: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine revealed the nine-word command President Donald Trump issued to launch US military strikes against Iran, delivering the order Friday afternoon aboard Air Force One.

Within hours, US and Israeli forces unleashed a sweeping operation involving more than 100 aircraft, a coordinated assault that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

Trump approved Iran strikes with nine-word order

Dan Caine revealed the nine-word statement President Donald Trump issued to order strikes against Iran.

“At 15:38, 3:38 pm, on Friday, February 27, the United States Central Command, through the Secretary of War, received the final go order from President Trump,” Caine said. “The president directed, and I quote, ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.'”

Caine added that Trump authorized “Operation Epic Fury” Friday afternoon and later appeared at a press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

The US and Israel launched coordinated attacks over the weekend that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among others. Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes in the region, and US officials confirmed that four American service members died, with many more injured.

Trump was on Air Force One, flying to Corpus Christi, Texas, when he gave the order, CNN reported. Shortly after landing, a reporter asked how close he was to deciding on strikes against Iran.

“I’d rather not tell you,” Trump replied. “You would have had the greatest scoop in history, right?” Later that day, Trump told a crowd he hadn’t made the final call yet, saying, “We have a big decision to make.” The military operation began the next day, Saturday, around 9:45 am local time, with more than 100 aircraft launched from land, sea and tankers. 

Pete Hegseth rejects 'endless war' fears in Iran conflict

Pete Hegseth said the strikes are not meant to change Iran’s government, though Dan Caine noted that the leadership did change and said the world is better off as a result.

He also dismissed concerns that the conflict could turn into an “endless war.” He said, “To the media outlets and political left screaming ‘endless wars,’ stop. This is not Iraq. This is not endless. Our generation knows better, and so does this president.”

Trump told The New York Times that the attack on Iran is expected to last four to five weeks. “It won’t be difficult,” he said. “We have tremendous amounts of ammunition. You know, we have ammunition stored all over the world in different countries.”

Hegseth added that Trump has full control over how long the strikes could continue and called questions about the timeline “typical gotcha questions.”

Caine said the strikes are not a one-night operation and warned that more losses are expected. He also offered condolences to the families of the US service members who were killed.

“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with their families, their friends and their units,” Caine said. “We grieve with you and we will never forget you.”