Iran vows retaliation after Trump ‘obliterates' nuclear ambitions
Canberra | Washington | Iran has vowed to hit back hard against Donald Trump's air raids on the regime's nuclear program and launched a fresh wave of missiles against Israeli cities, as the US president promised more attacks if American interests in the Middle East were targeted.
In the most consequential decision of his presidency, Trump defied the advice of allies, including Australia who had advocated for diplomacy, leaving the Middle East at risk of spiralling into further conflict, destabilising global markets and piling pressure on oil prices.
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7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Scott Morrison: Donald Trump's strikes on Iran a necessary measure to achieve peace, not war in Middle East
The recent strike by the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities marks a critical turning point in global security. It is not just a matter for the Middle East or for U.S. foreign policy. It is a test for all nations that rely on the strength and credibility of the international rules-based order and the western alliance for their security, Australia included. Let me be clear, this strike was not an act of provocation. It was a necessary measure, undertaken as a last resort by a President who wants peace, not war. The purpose was clear, to disrupt the capabilities of a brutal authoritarian regime that has openly defied international norms, supported terrorist proxies, and pursued nuclear weapons with increasing brazenness. In times of geopolitical crisis, clarity of purpose and principle is essential. That is why I was compelled to speak out following the U.S. operation. What we have seen instead from the Australian government is a concerning lack of clarity and a reluctance to define where Australia stands when it matters most. It is in times like this when allies look around to see who is with them. For a country like ours, deeply integrated into global economic and security networks, reliant on open trade routes and US led allied deterrence, strategic ambiguity is not a strength. It is a vulnerability. Throughout my time as Prime Minister, I took the view that Australia's interests are best served when we speak plainly and act decisively in defence of our values. That is why we stood firmly with our allies against China's economic coercion. It is why we invested in AUKUS, strengthening our sovereign defence capabilities and deepening our technological integration with the U.S. and UK. it is why we worked so closely with our Indo-Pacific partners through the Quad to uphold regional stability. It is why we stood with Israel against those who sought their annihilation. In this context, the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities must be understood for what it is: an act of strategic deterrence, grounded in the reality that Iran has long been operating outside the bounds of good faith diplomacy. It is what President Trump meant when he spoke of peace through strength. For years, Iran has methodically violated its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), enriching uranium well beyond civilian thresholds, restricting IAEA inspections, and hardening its facilities in preparation for exactly this kind of confrontation. Attempts to revive the nuclear deal have failed, not because the West abandoned diplomacy, but because Tehran refused to comply with the very terms it had previously accepted. The question facing policymakers in Washington and, indeed, in Canberra is not whether we prefer diplomacy over conflict. Of course we do. It is whether diplomacy alone can halt a regime that has no intention of negotiating in good faith. At a certain point, the cost of inaction outweighs the risk of confrontation. That is precisely where the United States found itself. Given Iran's refusal to cooperate with international monitors and its aggressive posture across the region, including arming Hezbollah, enabling Hamas to commit atrocities on innocent Israelis, supporting Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, the Trump administration concluded that a targeted strike was the only viable option left. Only the US could have taken this step and President Trump should be commended for his courage and leadership, especially by allies. This was not a broad campaign. It was a calibrated operation aimed at degrading the most advanced elements of Iran's nuclear infrastructure specifically, targeting Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. The objective was not regime change. It was to halt Iran's progression toward nuclear weapons capability and to send a clear message that the West's red lines still mean something. Yet here in Australia, the official response from the government has been muted. No strong statement of support for the United States. That silence is telling. It suggests a reluctance to confront difficult choices and to support our most important ally in the righteousness of the actions that have taken. I believe that such an approach is short-sighted and fundamentally misjudges the nature of the challenge we face. Australia cannot afford to be passive in moments like this. Our voice matters, not just because we are a U.S. ally, but because we are a middle power with global responsibilities. We sit at the intersection of East and West, of advanced democracies and rising developing powers. Our stance sends signals across the region, from Beijing to Moscow, Jakarta to Seoul. We must make the case for resistance against authoritarian arrogance. That doesn't mean we should follow Washington blindly. It means we must be clear, consistent and credible in how we support a global order that has protected our prosperity and security for generations. This is a time for strategic clarity, not importantly, we must ensure our own defences are fit for purpose. AUKUS is not a theoretical construct. It is a practical framework for dealing with the kinds of threats we are now seeing unfold. That means accelerating delivery timelines, investing in sovereign capabilities, and ensuring that deterrence in our own region is not eroded by distraction or delay. The world is entering a more dangerous phase. The era of risk aversion is over. Strategic competitors are testing our resolve, our alliances, and our willingness to act in defence of shared values. The choices we make now will define the kind of world our children inherit. We must choose clarity over confusion. Strength over silence. And principle over passivity. We must know who we stand with. That is the standard Australia has upheld in the past. And it is the standard we must uphold again now
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Damage seen at Iranian nuclear site after US strikes
Satellite images are showing damage to Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordo, one of three facilities targetted by US airstrikes, in alliance with Israel's mission to destroy its foe's nuclear program. The images by Planet Labs PBC showed damage to the site's entryways and also to the mountain that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means that Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside. In an address to the nation from the White House, US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated". Trump warned there would be additional strikes if Tehran retaliated against US forces. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he said. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but insisted that its nuclear program will not be stopped. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations following the strikes. Chief Rafael Grossi, has convened an emergency meeting of the nuclear watchdog. Leaders and international organisations around the globe are appealing for diplomacy to de-escalate the conflict. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the US strikes had 'launched a dangerous war' and blown up any possibility of diplomacy with the Americans or Europeans. "Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy," Araghchi wrote on X. "What conclusion would you draw?" Hours after the US attacks, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched a barrage of 40 missiles at Israel, including its Khorramshahr-4, which can carry multiple warheads. Israeli authorities reported that more than 80 people suffered mostly minor injuries, though one multi-storey building in Tel Aviv was significantly damaged, with its facade torn away exposing the apartments inside. Houses across the street were almost completely destroyed. Following the Iranian barrage, Israel's military said it had "swiftly neutralised" the Iranian missile launchers that had fired, and that it had begun a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran. Iran has maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. However, Trump and Israeli leaders have argued it could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon, making it an imminent threat. The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of Israeli strikes that significantly degraded Iran's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities. After the airstrikes the US president posted: "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" Israel announced Sunday that it had closed its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights in the wake of the US attacks. The attack used bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant built deep into a mountain, a US official said. In addition, US submarines launched about 30 Tomahawk missiles. The decision to attack, taken without congressional approval, was a risky one for Trump, who won the White House partially on the promise of keeping the US out of costly foreign conflicts. But Trump also vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. After Israel began striking Iran, Trump went from publicly expressing hope that the moment could be a "second chance" for Iran to make a deal to delivering explicit threats on Khamenei and making calls for Tehran's unconditional surrender. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision saying the US "has done what no other country on earth could do." Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had threatened to resume attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined Israel's military campaign, called on other Muslim nations to form "one front against the Zionist-American arrogance." Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those dead, it identified 363 civilians and 215 security force personnel. Satellite images are showing damage to Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordo, one of three facilities targetted by US airstrikes, in alliance with Israel's mission to destroy its foe's nuclear program. The images by Planet Labs PBC showed damage to the site's entryways and also to the mountain that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means that Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside. In an address to the nation from the White House, US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated". Trump warned there would be additional strikes if Tehran retaliated against US forces. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he said. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but insisted that its nuclear program will not be stopped. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations following the strikes. Chief Rafael Grossi, has convened an emergency meeting of the nuclear watchdog. Leaders and international organisations around the globe are appealing for diplomacy to de-escalate the conflict. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the US strikes had 'launched a dangerous war' and blown up any possibility of diplomacy with the Americans or Europeans. "Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy," Araghchi wrote on X. "What conclusion would you draw?" Hours after the US attacks, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched a barrage of 40 missiles at Israel, including its Khorramshahr-4, which can carry multiple warheads. Israeli authorities reported that more than 80 people suffered mostly minor injuries, though one multi-storey building in Tel Aviv was significantly damaged, with its facade torn away exposing the apartments inside. Houses across the street were almost completely destroyed. Following the Iranian barrage, Israel's military said it had "swiftly neutralised" the Iranian missile launchers that had fired, and that it had begun a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran. Iran has maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. However, Trump and Israeli leaders have argued it could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon, making it an imminent threat. The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of Israeli strikes that significantly degraded Iran's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities. After the airstrikes the US president posted: "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" Israel announced Sunday that it had closed its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights in the wake of the US attacks. The attack used bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant built deep into a mountain, a US official said. In addition, US submarines launched about 30 Tomahawk missiles. The decision to attack, taken without congressional approval, was a risky one for Trump, who won the White House partially on the promise of keeping the US out of costly foreign conflicts. But Trump also vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. After Israel began striking Iran, Trump went from publicly expressing hope that the moment could be a "second chance" for Iran to make a deal to delivering explicit threats on Khamenei and making calls for Tehran's unconditional surrender. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision saying the US "has done what no other country on earth could do." Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had threatened to resume attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined Israel's military campaign, called on other Muslim nations to form "one front against the Zionist-American arrogance." Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those dead, it identified 363 civilians and 215 security force personnel. Satellite images are showing damage to Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordo, one of three facilities targetted by US airstrikes, in alliance with Israel's mission to destroy its foe's nuclear program. The images by Planet Labs PBC showed damage to the site's entryways and also to the mountain that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means that Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside. In an address to the nation from the White House, US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated". Trump warned there would be additional strikes if Tehran retaliated against US forces. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he said. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but insisted that its nuclear program will not be stopped. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations following the strikes. Chief Rafael Grossi, has convened an emergency meeting of the nuclear watchdog. Leaders and international organisations around the globe are appealing for diplomacy to de-escalate the conflict. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the US strikes had 'launched a dangerous war' and blown up any possibility of diplomacy with the Americans or Europeans. "Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy," Araghchi wrote on X. "What conclusion would you draw?" Hours after the US attacks, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched a barrage of 40 missiles at Israel, including its Khorramshahr-4, which can carry multiple warheads. Israeli authorities reported that more than 80 people suffered mostly minor injuries, though one multi-storey building in Tel Aviv was significantly damaged, with its facade torn away exposing the apartments inside. Houses across the street were almost completely destroyed. Following the Iranian barrage, Israel's military said it had "swiftly neutralised" the Iranian missile launchers that had fired, and that it had begun a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran. Iran has maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. However, Trump and Israeli leaders have argued it could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon, making it an imminent threat. The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of Israeli strikes that significantly degraded Iran's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities. After the airstrikes the US president posted: "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" Israel announced Sunday that it had closed its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights in the wake of the US attacks. The attack used bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant built deep into a mountain, a US official said. In addition, US submarines launched about 30 Tomahawk missiles. The decision to attack, taken without congressional approval, was a risky one for Trump, who won the White House partially on the promise of keeping the US out of costly foreign conflicts. But Trump also vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. After Israel began striking Iran, Trump went from publicly expressing hope that the moment could be a "second chance" for Iran to make a deal to delivering explicit threats on Khamenei and making calls for Tehran's unconditional surrender. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision saying the US "has done what no other country on earth could do." Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had threatened to resume attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined Israel's military campaign, called on other Muslim nations to form "one front against the Zionist-American arrogance." Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those dead, it identified 363 civilians and 215 security force personnel. Satellite images are showing damage to Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordo, one of three facilities targetted by US airstrikes, in alliance with Israel's mission to destroy its foe's nuclear program. The images by Planet Labs PBC showed damage to the site's entryways and also to the mountain that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means that Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside. In an address to the nation from the White House, US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated". Trump warned there would be additional strikes if Tehran retaliated against US forces. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he said. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but insisted that its nuclear program will not be stopped. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations following the strikes. Chief Rafael Grossi, has convened an emergency meeting of the nuclear watchdog. Leaders and international organisations around the globe are appealing for diplomacy to de-escalate the conflict. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the US strikes had 'launched a dangerous war' and blown up any possibility of diplomacy with the Americans or Europeans. "Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy," Araghchi wrote on X. "What conclusion would you draw?" Hours after the US attacks, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched a barrage of 40 missiles at Israel, including its Khorramshahr-4, which can carry multiple warheads. Israeli authorities reported that more than 80 people suffered mostly minor injuries, though one multi-storey building in Tel Aviv was significantly damaged, with its facade torn away exposing the apartments inside. Houses across the street were almost completely destroyed. Following the Iranian barrage, Israel's military said it had "swiftly neutralised" the Iranian missile launchers that had fired, and that it had begun a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran. Iran has maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. However, Trump and Israeli leaders have argued it could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon, making it an imminent threat. The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of Israeli strikes that significantly degraded Iran's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities. After the airstrikes the US president posted: "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" Israel announced Sunday that it had closed its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights in the wake of the US attacks. The attack used bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant built deep into a mountain, a US official said. In addition, US submarines launched about 30 Tomahawk missiles. The decision to attack, taken without congressional approval, was a risky one for Trump, who won the White House partially on the promise of keeping the US out of costly foreign conflicts. But Trump also vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. After Israel began striking Iran, Trump went from publicly expressing hope that the moment could be a "second chance" for Iran to make a deal to delivering explicit threats on Khamenei and making calls for Tehran's unconditional surrender. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision saying the US "has done what no other country on earth could do." Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had threatened to resume attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined Israel's military campaign, called on other Muslim nations to form "one front against the Zionist-American arrogance." Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those dead, it identified 363 civilians and 215 security force personnel.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Remains of three Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza
The Israeli military says it has recovered the remains of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip. It identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19. All three were killed during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack into Israel that ignited the ongoing war. The militant group is still holding 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive. Kobi Samerano said in a Facebook post that his son's remains were returned on what would have been Yonatan's 23rd birthday. "The campaign to return the hostages continues consistently and is happening alongside the campaign against Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack. More than half the hostages have been returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals, eight have been rescued alive and Israeli forces have recovered dozens of bodies. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has said that women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military says it has recovered the remains of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip. It identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19. All three were killed during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack into Israel that ignited the ongoing war. The militant group is still holding 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive. Kobi Samerano said in a Facebook post that his son's remains were returned on what would have been Yonatan's 23rd birthday. "The campaign to return the hostages continues consistently and is happening alongside the campaign against Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack. More than half the hostages have been returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals, eight have been rescued alive and Israeli forces have recovered dozens of bodies. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has said that women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military says it has recovered the remains of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip. It identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19. All three were killed during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack into Israel that ignited the ongoing war. The militant group is still holding 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive. Kobi Samerano said in a Facebook post that his son's remains were returned on what would have been Yonatan's 23rd birthday. "The campaign to return the hostages continues consistently and is happening alongside the campaign against Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack. More than half the hostages have been returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals, eight have been rescued alive and Israeli forces have recovered dozens of bodies. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has said that women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military says it has recovered the remains of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip. It identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19. All three were killed during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack into Israel that ignited the ongoing war. The militant group is still holding 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive. Kobi Samerano said in a Facebook post that his son's remains were returned on what would have been Yonatan's 23rd birthday. "The campaign to return the hostages continues consistently and is happening alongside the campaign against Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack. More than half the hostages have been returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals, eight have been rescued alive and Israeli forces have recovered dozens of bodies. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has said that women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
