Trump Hails Deadly U.S.–Israel Assault on Iran, Signals Sustained Campaign as Global Tensions Mount

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday praised the joint American-Israeli military offensive that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing it as both retribution and a strategic necessity.

At the same time, he cautioned that the bombardment was far from over, indicating that further operations were imminent.

According to Trump, the coordinated strikes were designed to cripple Iran’s missile infrastructure and neutralize key naval assets.

The action followed repeated warnings from Washington and Tel Aviv that renewed military measures would be taken if Tehran continued advancing its nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile initiatives.

Monitoring developments from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump took to social media to announce that Khamenei had died in the attacks.

Earlier, a senior Israeli source had informed international media that the Iranian leader’s body had been located, a claim later echoed by Trump online. Iranian state broadcasters subsequently confirmed the death.

In a strongly worded message, Trump framed the strike as justice for victims allegedly harmed by Iran’s leadership, asserting that the operation served not only American interests but also those of other nations affected by Tehran’s policies.

While the president had earlier acknowledged the possibility of U.S. casualties amid what he termed “major combat operations,” American Central Command later stated that it had received no reports of American fatalities or combat-related injuries.

Officials added that any damage to U.S. facilities was limited and had not disrupted military functions.

A U.S. official indicated that the campaign could extend over multiple days. Trump reinforced that notion, declaring online that heavy aerial bombardment would persist “as long as necessary” to secure what he called broader stability across the Middle East.

This marks the second wave of direct U.S. military action against Iran since Trump’s return to office. The first occurred last June, when American forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.

Although diplomatic channels had remained partially open — including recent talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives — senior administration officials said the president concluded that Tehran’s stance left little room for compromise.

One senior official stated that Iranian negotiators appeared determined to preserve uranium enrichment capabilities, which Washington believes could eventually enable weapons development.

Another official emphasized that Iran’s missile arsenal presented an immediate operational threat, suggesting that intelligence assessments indicated potential strikes against American personnel or installations.

Administration sources argued that preemptive action was intended to reduce the scale of possible casualties and infrastructure damage should Iran act first.

In a video statement announcing the offensive, Trump openly encouraged regime change, urging members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to disarm.

He suggested that those who complied would be granted immunity, while warning that resistance could bring severe consequences.

Addressing the Iranian public, he called on citizens to assume control of their nation’s future, describing the moment as pivotal.

Images released by the White House showed Trump and his national security team reviewing maps of the Middle East. Among those present were the CIA

Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Vice President JD Vance participated from the Situation Room in Washington.

Rubio reportedly briefed congressional leaders from both parties ahead of the operation. However, not all lawmakers were supportive.

Representative Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the move as a conflict initiated without a clearly defined strategic objective.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged the administration to seek formal congressional approval for what he described as an act of war.

Despite concerns from some quarters, the majority of Republican lawmakers expressed backing for the strikes.

Senator Lindsey Graham defended the administration’s approach and rebuked European calls for renewed negotiations.

Meanwhile, several European governments have pressed for an immediate return to diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

With Tehran vowing retaliation and Washington signaling readiness for continued military pressure, the crisis has deepened uncertainty across the region.

Energy markets, shipping routes, and diplomatic alliances remain on edge as the international community watches for the next move in a rapidly intensifying confrontation.

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