Trump and Netanyahu's Call to Arms: U.S. and Israel's Military Operations Against Iran

In the early hours of Saturday morning in Italy, President Donald Trump took to his Truth social media platform to confirm the involvement of the United States in military operations against Iran. The primary objective of this military action is clear: to overthrow the current regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Although Trump refrained from explicitly using the term 'regime change', his message left little room for interpretation. During the eight-minute speech, Trump asserted that the Iranian regime has posed a threat to U.S. national security for 47 years, dating back to the Khomeini revolution that established the theocracy known as the Islamic Republic. This revolution was led by Shia cleric Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran’s first Supreme Leader, with Ali Khamenei as his successor. Importantly, Trump reached out directly to the Iranian people. He stated, "For many years you have asked for America's help but you have not received it. No president has been willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. Let's see how you respond. America supports you with overwhelming strength and devastating power." With this statement, Trump urged the Iranian populace not only to support U.S. military action but to instigate a rebellion against the regime. He alluded to previous uprisings, including the violent protests in January, which were met with brutal suppression. Trump’s message encouraged the Iranian people to rise against their government—an action he insinuated could lead to a revolution. In a direct appeal to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—the most powerful military force in Iran—Trump called for their disarmament, promising total immunity for those who lay down their arms. He warned of severe consequences for anyone choosing to resist the call, stating, "Those who do not comply will face certain death." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s sentiments, asserting that the military campaign would help create conditions for what he termed the brave Iranian people to reclaim their destiny from tyranny. Netanyahu's approach was more direct than Trump's, calling for an uprising and liberation from an oppressive regime. At this stage, the effectiveness of the U.S. and Israeli strategy to incite a rebellion in Iran remains uncertain. This current military approach significantly differs from the U.S. and Israel's previous attack last June, which primarily focused on Iranian nuclear sites. The recent attacks are broader, targeting several Iranian cities and key regime leadership buildings in Tehran. As the situation unfolds, the geopolitical implications of this military operation could reshape the dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape. The longstanding tensions, coupled with the calls for civilian uprising, suggest a pivotal moment that may further define this ongoing conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3