President Donald Trump has publicly defended the United States’ military strikes on Iran, asserting that the actions were necessary because the country and its armed forces had been “very nearly under threat” from Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions.

In a comprehensive video address and subsequent remarks, Trump framed the offensive — conducted jointly with Israel and launched on February 28 under the banner of “major combat operations” — as a strategic imperative to protect U.S. interests, personnel and allies in the Middle East.

Trump described Iran’s regime as a persistent danger that “directly endangers the United States,” citing its long history of hostility toward American forces and alleged ongoing development of weapons that could threaten U.S. territory.

The president said the campaign was intended to eliminate “imminent threats” posed by Tehran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, alleged nuclear efforts and support for regional proxy groups.

He urged the Iranian people to rise up against their leadership and “take over your government” once U.S. operations conclude, describing the intervention as a historic opportunity for change.

Trump’s justification, delivered on his social media platform and echoed in remarks to reporters, emphasized that the strikes were undertaken after intelligence assessments suggested Iran’s activities posed unacceptable risks.

Administration officials have also defended the operation as a pre-emptive measure, saying the build-up of Iranian capabilities and reported covert nuclear projects would have presented dire dangers to American forces and allies in the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Pentagon, reinforced that the United States would “meet threats wherever they arise” and vowed to pursue Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear infrastructure with precision and force.

He emphasized that the campaign under Trump’s leadership is designed to avoid a prolonged ground war while achieving clear strategic objectives.

The military offensive has resulted in significant regional escalation, including Iranian counter-strikes on U.S. and allied positions in the Gulf and neighbouring states, and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump acknowledged that casualties, including American service members, have occurred and could increase, but insisted the operation was essential to deter future threats and prevent Iran from acquiring long-range capabilities that could endanger the U.S. mainland and European allies.

The president stressed the operation reflects a decisive shift in U.S. policy toward Tehran, one aimed at decisive outcomes rather than protracted conflict.