US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military assault on Iran on Saturday, vowing to “annihilate” its navy, missile sites, and urging Iranians to overthrow their government.

In a video address posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States’ aim was the destruction of Iran’s military capabilities and toppling of authorities in power since the 1979 revolution. “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground… We’re going to annihilate their navy,” he said.

Trump called on Iranians opposed to the regime to rise up, adding: “The hour of your freedom is at hand… When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”

The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon, comes after coordinated US and Israel strikes on Iranian targets. Trump acknowledged potential casualties among American forces, warning, “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost… We may have casualties.”

Trump sought to justify the assault by citing imminent threats from Iran, including its nuclear program and long-range missile development capable of threatening US troops and allies abroad, as well as the American homeland. He also addressed Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards, demanding surrender and offering immunity to those who lay down their arms, while threatening “certain death” for noncompliance.

The US president warned civilians to stay indoors due to the scale of the bombing: “Bombs will be dropping everywhere.”

The announcement came after Trump’s envoys met with Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva on Thursday, mediated by Oman. Tehran reportedly agreed to halt enriched uranium stockpiling, though a formal compromise has yet to be confirmed.

The escalation marks a sharp turn in US-Iran relations amid heightened regional tensions, with Trump’s administration deploying the largest Middle East military buildup in years.

With inputs from BBC.