Within hours of Israeli and American attacks on the government and military infrastructure of Iran, President Donald Trump made it clear the United States’ goal was not to enforce its view of Iran’s future. Instead, Trump insisted the joint military operation offered the people of Iran seeking a secular government an opportunity to establish their own, self-determined path forward.

“Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” Trump said in a speech posted on Truth Social. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.”