After urging Iranian protesters to stay inside, Trump tells them to ‘seize this moment’ and ‘be brave’

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026. (AP Photo/ Matt Rourke)
US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026. (AP Photo/ Matt Rourke)

US President Donald Trump reiterates his call for Iran’s security forces to lay down their arms in exchange for full immunity, “or face certain death.”

Trump calls on “Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country.”

On Saturday, he told Iranians to remain in their homes until the bombs stop falling, at which point they should try and take over their government.

It is unclear whether Trump is suggesting that moment has arrived. He also stated that the US strikes in Iran would continue.

“America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we’ll be there to help,” Trump says.

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