Washington, Feb 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, President Donald Trump asserted that achieving “freedom” for the Iranian populace is his primary objective, as the United States initiated a military operation against Iran, described by officials as a multiday endeavor. This move has been characterized by prominent American media as a potential effort for regime change and a risky “war of choice.”

“My only desire is freedom for the people,” Trump shared with The Washington Post during a brief phone conversation shortly after 4 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday.

“I want a secure nation, and that’s precisely what we shall achieve,” he added.

A U.S. official confirmed that the operation commenced at approximately 1 a.m. Eastern time, involving ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft. The administration has dubbed this mission “Operation Epic Fury.”

Iran swiftly retaliated with counterattacks targeting several U.S. military installations, including a support facility for the 5th Fleet in Bahrain, according to the official. Despite ongoing operations, no U.S. troops have been reported injured, the official stated.

Israel also confirmed its involvement in launching strikes against Iran on the same day.

In a recorded video message made public around 2:30 a.m., Trump declared the commencement of “major combat operations.” He encouraged Iranians to “seize control of your government” once the attacks stop, stating, “this may be your only opportunity for generations.”

He acknowledged the inherent risks.

“The lives of brave American heroes may be at stake, and we could face casualties,” Trump remarked in his video statement. “Such occurrences are common in warfare. However, we are doing this not for the present, but for the future, and it is a noble mission.”

He continued, “No other president has been willing to take the actions I am prepared to take tonight.”

“Now you have a leader who is granting you what you desire, so let’s observe your response,” he stated. “America stands with you, providing overwhelming strength and devastating force.”

Trump justified the strikes as essential for “protecting the American people by neutralizing imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime,” accusing Tehran of a 47-year campaign of “mass terror” against the U.S. and of likely involvement in the al-Qaeda attack on the USS Cole in 2000.

He referenced the 1979 hostage crisis and the 1983 bombing of U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.

“I developed and enhanced our military during my previous administration,” Trump stated, “and there is no military globally that compares to its power, strength, or sophistication.”

Before the military action began, The Wall Street Journal editorial board contended that “Iran’s regime is unwilling to negotiate on missiles or its nuclear program,” under the title “The Ayatollah Is Choosing War.”

Citing halted nuclear discussions in Geneva, the editorial noted that both parties remained significantly apart on critical issues. It added that Iran dismissed the notion of relocating uranium stockpiles abroad, opposed ceasing enrichment, dismantling its nuclear facilities, and imposing permanent restrictions on its program.

The Journal indicated that the regime “won’t even allow Mr. Trump to err,” stating that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “seems to view conceding to U.S. demands as a greater risk to his authority than facing an attack.”

The New York Times, in a Saturday analysis, labeled the strike as “the ultimate war of choice,” asserting that “There was no immediate threat from Iran.”