U.S. President Donald Trump has defended a joint military operation with Israel against Iran, saying the strikes are aimed at eliminating imminent threats and preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
U.S. President Donald Trump has justified a combined military operation against Iran carried out in coordination with Israel, describing it as necessary to neutralise security threats. In a video posted on X on Saturday morning, Trump said, “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also confirmed the action, stating that the strike was part of efforts to “remove threats against the State of Israel.” The comments signal close cooperation between Washington and Tel Aviv amid escalating tensions with Tehran.
Trump further said the operation is intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, underscoring longstanding U.S. and Israeli concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The development marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises fears of broader instability in the Middle East.
President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026