Trump indicates goal of Iran strikes is to topple regime; tells Iranian people: 'When we're finished, take over your government'

US President Donald Trump indicates that the goal of the ongoing strikes in Iran is to topple the regime, and he calls on the Iranian people to seize the opportunity and take over their government.

“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police. I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death,” Trump says in an eight-minute video statement confirming the US strikes.

“Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,” Trump says.

“To the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” he continues.

“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

“For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it… So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force,” Trump says.

“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass,” he adds.