Ros Atkins on…how has President Trump’s message on war changed?

Ros Atkins on…how has President Trump’s message on war changed?

BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins examines the transformation of Donald Trump’s approach to warfare and peace throughout his second term. Initially, he pledged to limit foreign engagements, but recent actions show a shift toward more aggressive military interventions. This trend culminated in a significant operation against Iran, marking the largest strike of his presidency.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth provided limited details about the campaign, leaving questions about its scale and duration unresolved. Meanwhile, the US claimed six F-15 jets were “mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” with all pilots reported in stable condition. Trump warned of increased casualties, following the deaths of three service members during the initial phase of the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

On Truth Social, the president posted a video statement addressing the Iran strike. An eyewitness documented the Iranian drone’s crash in Kuwait, capturing the moment of impact. BBC reporter Helena Humphrey covered developments in Washington DC, focusing on the second day of the operation. Iran’s state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, adding urgency to the situation.

Protesters gathered in cities across the US on Saturday, with further demonstrations planned. Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet assessed the immediate effects of the strikes on Iran. Sarah Smith of the BBC analyzed Trump’s strategic goals, suggesting the attack might signal a broader ambition in regional conflicts.

White House reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr was in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump continued to oversee military operations. BBC presenter Clive Myrie reported from Tel Aviv’s bomb shelter as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel. These actions were part of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli effort. A social media video showed the devastation in a Tehran neighborhood post-strike.

Trump accused the Iranian government of perpetuating an “unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States.” Jon Donnison in Jerusalem reported as the president declared “major combat operations” had commenced. Separately, millions celebrated the Lunar New Year globally, from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires, amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.

The expiration of the New START treaty removed nuclear weapon limits between the US and Russia for the first time since 1991. Ecuador’s government responded to the incident, highlighting its role during heightened regional conflicts. Veterans’ comments echoed Trump’s claims that NATO allies had avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan, further framing the current strikes as part of a larger narrative.