A large-scale military operation initiated by the United States and Israel against targets within Iran began just after midnight Saskatchewan time, according to reports emerging from social and mainstream media. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of hostilities via a pre-recorded video posted to X, citing 47 years of grievances stemming from the 1979 Iranian Revolution and subsequent events.
Trump, in his address, specifically referenced the hostage crisis during the Jimmy Carter administration, where American citizens were held for 444 days. He asserted that no previous president had adequately responded to what he characterized as Iran’s “bellicose nature” and involvement in proxy wars and attacks. The video was posted at 1:44 a.m. Saskatchewan time, according to a transcript of the post.
This attack differs in scope from the “12 Day War” of last June, which involved initial strikes by Israel followed by U.S. B-2 stealth bomber attacks targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Current reports suggest a broader offensive, encompassing both air and naval forces. While a ground invasion mirroring the 2003 invasion of Iraq does not appear imminent, the possibility of special forces involvement remains open.
The offensive is already prompting concerns about potential retaliation from Iran, with American bases across the Middle East and Israel identified as potential targets. This represents a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran relations, a history marked by conflict dating back to the 1953 U.S.- and U.K.-backed coup d’état that installed Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as the Shah of Iran. The U.S. Subsequently provided materials and training to Iran under the “Atoms for Peace” program in 1957, effectively initiating the country’s modern nuclear program.
Donald Trump is currently serving his second non-consecutive term as President of the United States, having previously held office from 2017 to 2021. He assumed office on January 20, 2025, becoming only the second president in U.S. History to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. His decision to launch this attack follows a campaign promise to end “forever wars,” a stance that adds a layer of complexity to the current situation.
As of this reporting, no official statement has been released by the Iranian government regarding the attacks or any planned response. The United Nations Security Council has not announced any emergency sessions, and diplomatic channels remain largely silent.
