Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States had launched “major combat operations” against Iran, confirming coordinated military action as Israel carried out what it described as a “preemptive strike” and missiles were fired toward Israeli territory.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video message shared on social media. He vowed to destroy Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities, adding, “We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel early Saturday. “Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel,” the military said. Air defense systems were activated, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Explosions were reported across Tehran, Iran’s capital, though Iranian officials did not immediately confirm the nature or targets of the blasts.

Trump also appealed directly to the Iranian public, urging them to “take over your government,” referring to the Islamic clerical leadership in Tehran. He described the regime as a direct threat and said the US action was aimed at preventing imminent danger.

The developments mark a dramatic escalation in already heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities have yet to issue a full response to the US and Israeli actions.