&w=3840&q=100)
Iran's key nuclear sites 'totally obliterated' by airstrikes, says Trump
In his first speech after the US strikes on Iran, Trump warned that Iran faces "either peace or tragedy" and said many more targets remain within reach of the American military
Reuters WASHINGTON
US forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a "very successful attack," President Donald Trump said late on Saturday, and he warned Tehran it would face more attacks if it did not agree to peace.
After days of deliberation and long before his self-imposed two-week deadline, Trump's decision to join Israel's military campaign against its major rival Iran represents a major escalation of the conflict.
"The strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said in a televised Oval Office address. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated."
In a speech that lasted just over three minutes, Trump said Iran's future held "either peace or tragedy," and that there were many other targets that could be hit by the US military.
"If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." The US reached out to Iran diplomatically on Saturday to say the strikes are all the US plans and it does not aim for regime change, CBS News reported.
Trump said US forces struck Iran's three principal nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. He told Fox News six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites.
US B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes, a US
official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow," Trump posted. "Fordow is gone." "IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR," he added.
Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of the B-2 bombers, which can be equipped to carry massive bombs that experts say would be needed to strike Fordow, which is buried under a mountain south of Tehran. Given its fortification, it will likely be days, if not longer, before the impact of the strikes is known.
An Iranian official, cited by Tasnim news agency, confirmed that part of the Fordow site was attacked by "enemy airstrikes." Hassan Abedini, deputy political head of Iran's state broadcaster, said Iran had evacuated the three sites some time ago.
“The enriched uranium reserves had been transferred from the nuclear centres and there are no materials left there that, if targeted, would cause radiation and be harmful to our compatriots,� he told the channel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on his "bold decision".
"History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapons," Netanyahu said.
Diplomacy unsuccessful
The strikes came as Israel and Iran have been engaged in more than a week of aerial combat that has resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries.
Israel launched the attacks on Iran saying that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Diplomatic efforts by Western nations to stop the hostilities have been unsuccessful. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Saturday's strikes a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge â€' and a direct threat to international peace and security." In recent days, Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have argued that Trump must receive permission from the US
Congress before committing the US military to any combat against Iran.
Republican Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi applauded the operation but cautioned that the US now faced "very serious choices ahead." One Republican lawmaker, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, simply said, "This is not constitutional." Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said it was "absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment."
Many in Trump's MAGA movement have opposed US entanglement in foreign military operations. Trump ally Steve Bannon said on his War Room podcast that the president's address was probably not what a lot of MAGA supporters wanted to hear, and he called on Trump to offer a "deeper explanation" for why US involvement was necessary.
Trump-aligned commentator Charlie Kirk posted on X: "America stands with President Trump."
Israel launched attacks on June 13, saying Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons, which it neither confirms nor denies.
At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its attacks, Iranian state-run Nour News said, citing the health ministry.
In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed by Iranian missile attacks, according to local authorities, in the worst conflict between the longtime enemies. More than 450 Iranian missiles have been fired towards Israel, according to the Israeli prime minister's office.
Israeli officials said 1,272 people have been injured since the beginning of the hostilities, with 14 in serious condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
7 minutes ago
- Business Standard
US strikes on Iran spark global concern, calls for restraint, diplomacy
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States AP Washington The US strike on Iran fuelled fears that Israel's war with Tehran could escalate to a wider regional conflict, and other countries began reacting Sunday with calls for diplomacy and words of caution. President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved. In the end, it took just days to decide, and Washington inserted itself into Israel's campaign with its early Sunday attack. It remained unclear early how much damage had been inflicted, but Iran had pledged to retaliate if the US joined the Israeli assault. Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at US targets scattered across the Gulf region. Here is a look at reaction from governments and officials around the world. United Nations UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world, he said in a statement on the social media platform X. I call on Member States to de-escalate. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. New Zealand New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged all parties to return to talks. He wouldn't tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported President Trump's actions, saying they had only just happened. The three-time foreign minister said the crisis is the most serious I've ever dealt with" and that critical further escalation is avoided. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action, he said. China A flash commentary from China's government-run media asked whether the US is repeating its Iraq mistake in Iran. The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the US strikes mark a dangerous turning point. History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization, it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. It said a measured, diplomatic approach that prioritizes dialogue over military confrontation offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East. Japan Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to hold a meeting with key ministers Sunday afternoon to discuss the impact from the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to Japan's NHK television. Japan's largest-circulation newspaper Yomiuri is distributing an extra edition on the attack in Tokyo. South Korea South Korea's presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the US strikes and potential South Korean responses. Australia Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, continued to push for a diplomatic end to the conflict. We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security, a government official said in a written statement. We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
6 ‘Bunker Buster' bombs, 30 Tomahawk missiles: How US struck Iran's key nuclear sites; key details
On Thursday, President had warned Iran that it had a fortnight to consider its next steps. By early Sunday morning, he had authorised a series of precision airstrikes on three of Iran's most fortified nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, pushing the United States into direct military conflict with Tehran for the first time in over four decades. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The strikes were kept so tightly under wraps that even as B-2 stealth bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker busters on Iranian soil, cable news broadcasts were still reporting that Trump was 'weighing his options.' Hours earlier, he had quietly returned to the White House from New Jersey for what was described as a high-level national security briefing. Then, without warning, he posted the news himself: 'We have completed our very successful attack… All planes are safely on their way home.' With that, Trump not only made history but also sent shockwaves through a region already teetering on the edge. The attack was carried out by American B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bomb. One US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that multiple GBU-57s were dropped on Fordow, the most heavily fortified site, and said damage assessments suggested it had been 'taken off the table.' From Missouri to Fordow On Friday night between 10:09 and 10:30 pm Central Time, eight KC-135 Stratotankers took off from Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, heading towards Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri—the home of the B-2 fleet, the Washington Post reported. Flight trackers picked up the tankers, using the call sign 'Nitro,' refuelling bombers flying under the call sign 'Mytee'—a known identifier for B-2 aircraft. Fox News host Sean Hannity, citing a personal conversation with President Trump, revealed that six Massive Ordnance Penetrators, commonly known as 'bunker buster' bombs, were dropped on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility by multiple B-2 bombers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In addition, he said the United States launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines positioned roughly 400 miles offshore. 'Everyone is out of harm's way for now,' Hannity said during his broadcast. After completing the mission, the tankers returned home, indicating the bombers were now fully fuelled and en route. Open-source analysts confirmed the pattern matched standard procedures for heavy payload missions. As per CBS News, US officials had informed Iran via diplomatic channels that the strikes were limited in scope, with no plans for regime change. Trump had earlier rejected proposals to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the same report. Though Trump signalled the operation's end with a call for peace, US forces remain on high alert. The Pentagon has moved additional naval assets into position. The USS Carl Vinson remains in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Nimitz heads toward the region. Ballistic missile-defence-equipped destroyers have also been deployed across the Mediterranean.
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
US attack on Iranian nuclear sites roils oil market, India braces for possible price surge
New Delhi: Global crude oil prices may face sharp upward pressure when markets open for trade Monday, after the US launched air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan — escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes have raised concerns of supply disruptions that could hit major importers like India, which depends on overseas oil for more than 85% of its energy needs. In a televised address on Sunday (India time), US President Donald Trump confirmed the direct American assault on Iran's nuclear programme, ending days of speculation about Washington's entry into the Israel-Iran conflict. He warned that further strikes could follow. Read this | Mint Primer: What if the US joins Israel's war with Iran? 'Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace doesn't come quickly we will go to those other targets with precision, speed and skill," Trump said. Hormuz threat puts India's energy security at risk The strikes have amplified fears of a possible Iranian response, particularly threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Energy markets have long feared that any disruption here could trigger a severe supply crunch. 'Concerns remain over whether supplies through the Strait of Hormuz would be blocked. Refiners are keeping a close watch and looking for alternate sources in case supplies through the strait are halted," said an official with a state-run oil marketing company. Read this | Mint Explainer | Strait of Hormuz: Will Iran shut the vital oil artery of the world? Iran currently produces about 3.3 million barrels per day (mbd) of crude oil, exporting 1.8-2.0 mbd. While Iranian oil facilities have reportedly been hit, the extent of damage remains unclear. But the larger risk lies in a broader regional conflict that could pull in other major oil producers in the Gulf, said ratings agency Icra Ltd in a recent report. India could face significant cost pressures even though it no longer buys oil directly from Iran due to US sanctions. Crude supplies from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, all routed via the Strait of Hormuz, account for nearly half of India's total imports. About 60% of its natural gas imports also pass through this critical passage. Since 13 June 2025, when the Israel-Iran conflict began, crude prices have risen from $64-65 per barrel to $74-75 per barrel. Oil is likely to average around $70-80 a barrel in FY26, and a sustained rise from current levels risks a reduction in India's growth forecasts, Icra Ratings Ltd had said on Friday. Read this | India concerned about crude oil supply disruptions in Strait of Hormuz as prices surge after Israel's attacks on Iran 'A sustained flare-up in the conflict poses upside risks for estimates of crude oil prices, and India's net oil imports and the current account deficit. A $10/bbl increase in the average price of crude oil for the fiscal will typically push up net oil imports by ~$13-14 billion during the year, enlarging the CAD (current account deficit) by 0.3% of GDP," Icra noted. India's import bill in FY25 stood at $137 billion, according to the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell. "Impact on the import bill will depend on how long the elevated prices sustain. However, a 10% increase in crude prices may lead to a 3% increase in the import bill given that crude oil comprises about 30% of India's total imports. With this, the trade deficit may increase to 0.1-0.2% of GDP. There would be some pressure on the currency but an impact on GDP is not seen as of now," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda. Icra had also said that changes in crude oil prices are likely to translate faster into higher wholesale and consumer inflation. For every 10% increase in crude oil prices, wholesale inflation could rise by 80-100 basis points, while consumer inflation may increase by 20-30 basis points, depending on the extent of pass-through into retail fuel prices. 'Only about 8% of the energy supplies moving through the strait can be rerouted via alternative corridors," said Prashant Vashisht, vice president at Icra. "If the strait is blocked, India would have to source more from regions like Russia and Nigeria." On Friday, Brent crude futures on the Intercontinental Exchange closed at $77 a barrel, down 2.33% amid earlier uncertainty over US military involvement. Oil market volatility is expected to spike when trading resumes, said Rahul Kalantri, vice president for commodities at Mehta Equities. 'We expect a knee-jerk rally potentially pushing Brent to the $80–$85 range or beyond if further conflict escalates," he said, adding that a full blockade of the Strait could drive prices 10–20% higher. Also read | Oil is warming up, but India's inflation may escape the heat Earlier this month, JP Morgan had warned that a major escalation could push crude oil prices as high as $120 a barrel. However, the bank noted that so far, despite multiple historical threats, the Strait of Hormuz has never been fully closed. 'Crucially, for all of recorded history, crude oil continued to flow," JP Morgan wrote. The Indian government is closely monitoring the evolving situation. The petroleum ministry has held consultations with oil marketing companies to assess the state of domestic supplies and build contingency plans.
