Lay down weapons or face certain death: What Trump said after US, Israel attack Iran

US President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), urging them to lay down their weapons and refrain from fighting or face death.

In a video message released on Saturday (28 February), as Israel and the US struck Iran, Trump offered what he described as "complete immunity" to those who did not resist, while warning of severe consequences for those who did.

"I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death," NBC News quoted him as saying.

"Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death." 

Trump also reiterated that the US would not allow Iran to possess a nuclear programme, underscoring Washington's long-standing position on the issue.

Addressing the Iranian public directly, Trump declared that "the hour of your freedom is at hand," and urged citizens to "take over your government" once the strikes were over.

He warned residents to remain indoors, saying the situation outside would be dangerous. "Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere."

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

Trump announced that "major combat" was underway to destroy Iran's missile forces and "annihilate" the country's navy.

"The United States' military began major combat operations in Iran," Trump said in his video message posted on his social media site. "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime."

"We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally -- again -- obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy," Trump said.