US Embassy issues stark DEI warning letters to companies in Ireland
The US embassy in Dublin has sent warnings to companies it does business with to comply with Donald Trump's 'anti-DEI' agenda if they employ American citizens and have US owners.
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Irish Daily Star
7 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Star
Trump delivers chilling 10-word warning shot if Iran 'doesn't make peace'
Donald Trump issued a chilling warning to Iran after launching airstrikes that eradicated three of the country's nuclear facilities. "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," the president said before issuing the 10-word threat: "If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier." He began his speech by detailing the mission that was carried out on Saturday night. "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's No. 1 state sponsor of terror," Trump began the short speech, which he delivered from the White House on Saturday night. Read More Related Articles Donald Trump dementia fears spike after 'symptom' spotted in President's suit Read More Related Articles JD Vance faces huge backlash for bringing 'uncontrollable kids' to Trump parade A map from The Associated Press shows where the nuclear facilities in Iran are located (Image: AP/OpenStreetMap) "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated," he claimed. The strikes on Saturday night targeted three locations — Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, according to Trump, who gloated about the attack on his Truth Social just after it happened. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," he wrote. "All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home." The attacks were carried out using B-2 bombers (Image: AP) "Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he concluded. He later posted a simple picture of the American flag. During his Saturday night address, Trump admitted to working with Israel — in particular, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — to carry out the attacks. He thanked Netanyahu for his support, and Netanyahu later told Fox News, "Tonight, President Trump and the U.S. acted with a lot of strength. President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you." The Israeli prime minister later issued a statement on his X account, writing, "President Trump and I often say: 'Peace through strength.' First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, @realDonaldTrump and the United States acted with a lot of strength." "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," he added in the video message attached to the tweet. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace," he said. The rest of Trump's speech slammed Iran for its political decisions over the years — namely, its backing of rebel groups like the Houthis in Yemen, who have targeted American — and allied — assets in the Middle East for years. He blamed Iran for sponsoring terrorism and went on a tirade about their alleged "roadside bombs." "For 40 years, Iran has been saying, 'Death to America! Death to Israel!' They have been killing our people — blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their specialty," he said. "We lost over a thousand people, and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate," he continued. He then issued another chilling threat to Iran: "This cannot continue — there will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and, perhaps, the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes," he said. The attacks were a risky gambit to weaken Tehran, with fears of a broader regional conflict on the horizon. There wasn't any immediate reaction from the Iranian government concerning the strikes, but the country's state-run IRNA news agency confirmed the attack on the Fordow facility early Sunday. IRNA reported that Iran's air defenses were activated during the attack, but there wasn't any further information provided about the damage or the nature of the attack, which was carried out by B-2 bombers from the U.S., which were seen heading to the region over the past day. Israeli officials previously said that the U.S.'s 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs that the country alone carries were the only ones that offered a good enough chance to damage the nuclear facilities in Iran. The bombs are carried by B-2 bombers, which the U.S. sent to the region over the past couple of days. They were seen leaving the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Friday, according to CNN, and then were detected flying over the Pacific Ocean, likely to Guam, on Saturday. Reports indicate that six bunker busters were dropped on Fordow, while the other facilities were destroyed by about 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from American submarines stationed about 400 miles away, according to Fox News' Sean Hannity. Israel's military warned on Saturday that it's ready for a lengthy war with Iran.
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
US launches strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in high stakes war move
The United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian sites on Sunday, joining Israel's ongoing conflict aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear programme in a high-risk move to weaken a longstanding adversary, despite concerns of a wider regional conflict. In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's key nuclear sites had been "completely and fully obliterated." However, there was no independent assessment of the damage. It remained unclear whether the US would continue to attack Iran alongside Israel, which has been engaged in a nine-day conflict with Iran. Trump warned Iran that any retaliation against the US would be met with further strikes. "There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran," he stated, reports the Daily Record. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that attacks had taken place on its Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz sites but insisted that its work would not be halted. The decision to directly involve the US in the conflict comes after over a week of Israeli strikes on Iran, aimed at systematically destroying the country's air defences and offensive missile capabilities while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. However, US and Israeli officials believed that American stealth bombers and the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb they carry offered the best chance of destroying heavily fortified sites connected to the Iranian nuclear programme buried deep underground. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," Trump announced in a statement on social media. "All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home." In another emphatic social media post, Trump declared: "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!" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chimed in with acclamation for Trump's decisive move. In a video address, Netanyahu stated: "Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,". Trump had nothing but praise for US forces involved in the operation, proclaiming, "has done what no other country on earth could do." While officials were not forthcoming with specifics, Fox News host Sean Hannity revealed after his 9 p. m. broadcast that he had spoken directly with the President. Sharing exclusive intel, Hannity specified that the attack entailed six bunker-buster bombs being used on Fordo, while US submarines some 400 miles away fired a volley of 30 Tomahawk missiles towards Natanz and Isfahan's nuclear establishments. The intensity of military strikes has escalated dangerously due to Iran's promise to strike back at any US involvement in the Israeli conflict, posing international risks and personal jeopardy to Trump. His presidency was largely built on a promise to keep America free from costly foreign entanglements and his criticism of interventionist policies. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed his grave worries, saying he's "gravely alarmed" by the "dangerous escalation" resulting from US action. "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 highlighted in a formal statement. Friday saw President Trump assure journalists that he wasn't planning to send ground forces to Iran, describing ground troop deployment as "the last thing you want to do." He indicated earlier that his final decision would come within the next fortnight. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top authority, issued a stern warning to the US on Wednesday, asserting any attacks on the Islamic Republic would "result in irreparable damage for them." Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh, speaking for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, cautioned against US involvement suggesting it could lead to full-scale war in the area. Trump has repeatedly insisted that he will stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, initially believing that the threat of military action would prompt Iran to peacefully abandon its nuclear programme. On Saturday, the Israeli military announced preparations for a potentially prolonged conflict, while Iran's foreign minister warned before the US strike that American military involvement "would be very, very dangerous for everyone." Tensions escalated as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen vowed to resume targeting US vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joined forces with Israel's military campaign, having previously halted such attacks in May under a US agreement. The US ambassador to Israel revealed that the US had initiated "assisted departure flights," marking the first such flights from Israel since the Hamas-led assault on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that Trump intended to make a decision on the strikes within a fortnight; however, he launched the strikes just two days later. It seems Trump made the decision - possibly swayed by Israeli officials and numerous Republican lawmakers - that Israel's operation had created a favourable situation, potentially offering a unique chance to significantly hinder Iran's nuclear programme, perhaps even permanently. Iran's capabilities impaired According to Israeli sources, their offensive has already significantly hampered Iran's air defences, allowing them to inflict considerable damage on several Iranian nuclear sites. However, in order to obliterate the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, Israel sought Trump's aid, specifically the bunker-busting American bomb known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. This bomb uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to target deeply buried sites before exploding and is currently only delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber, exclusive to the American arsenal. If used in the attack, it would mark the first combat use of the weapon. The bomb carries a conventional warhead and is believed to be capable of penetrating roughly 200 feet (61 meters) beneath the surface before detonating. The bombs can be dropped consecutively, effectively drilling deeper with each subsequent explosion. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran is producing highly enriched uranium at Fordo, which raises the possibility of nuclear material being released into the area if the GBU-57 A/B were used to strike the facility. Previous Israeli strikes on another Iranian nuclear site, Natanz, specifically on a centrifuge site, have only caused contamination at the site itself, not the surrounding area, according to the IAEA. Trump's choice for direct U.S. military intervention comes after a two-month failed attempt by his administration, which included high-level talks with Iran, to get Tehran to curb its nuclear programme. For months, Trump professed his dedication to a diplomatic effort to convince Iran to give up its nuclear aspirations. He managed to persuade Netanyahu twice, in April and again at the end of May, to hold off on military action against Iran to give diplomacy more time. In recent days, the U.S. has been positioning military aircraft and warships around the Middle East to protect Israel and American bases from potential attacks by Iran. Trump has swung between expressing hope for Iran's "second chance" at a deal and issuing direct threats towards Khamenei, along with demands for Tehran's unconditional capitulation. "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," Trump announced on social media. "He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill! ), at least not for now." Seven years after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he dubbed the "worst deal ever.", he still faces military tensions with Iran. The 2015 agreement, which involved Iran, the U.S., and other world powers, aimed to provide a long-term solution to limit Tehran's uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting sanctions. Trump criticised the Obama-era deal, condemning it for being overly generous to Iran without addressing their non-nuclear malevolent actions. Facing backlash from his own MAGA base, including influential conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Trump is dealing with suggestions that any further American involvement contradicts his pledge to stop U.S. participation in costly, protracted conflicts.
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
US strikes three Iranian nuclear sites
President Donald Trump said that the United States military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel's effort to decapitate the country's nuclear programme in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe amid Tehran's threat of reprisals that could spark a wider regional conflict. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, quoting a provincial official, confirmed attacks on Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites. The decision to directly involve the US in the war comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that have moved to systematically eradicate the country's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. US and Israeli officials have said that American stealth bombers and the 30,000-pound (13,500-kg) bunker buster bomb they alone can carry offered the best chance of destroying heavily-fortified sites connected to the Iranian nuclear programme buried deep underground. 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,' Mr Trump said in a post on social media. 'All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.' Mr Trump added in a later post that he would address the national audience at 10pm eastern time, writing: '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!' Trump said B-2 stealth bombers were used but did not specify which types of bombs were dropped. The White House and Pentagon did not immediately elaborate on the operation. The strikes are a perilous decision for the US as Iran has pledged to retaliate if it joined the Israeli assault, and for Mr Trump personally, having won the White House on the promise of keeping America out of costly foreign conflicts and scoffed at the value of American interventionism. Trump told reporters on Friday that he was not interested in sending ground forces into Iran, saying it's 'the last thing you want to do.' He had previously indicated that he would make a final choice over the course of two weeks, a timeline that seemed drawn out as the situation was evolving quickly. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the United States on Wednesday that strikes targeting the Islamic Republic will 'result in irreparable damage for them'. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei declared 'any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region'. Trump has vowed that he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and he had initially hoped that the threat of force would bring the country's leaders to give up its nuclear program peacefully. Israel 's military said Saturday it was preparing for the possibility of a lengthy war, while Iran's foreign minister warned before the U.S. attack that American military involvement 'would be very, very dangerous for everyone.' The prospect of a wider war threatened, too. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they would resume attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea if the Trump administration joins Israel's military campaign. The Houthis paused such attacks in May under a deal with the US. The US ambassador to Israel announced the US had begun 'assisted departure flights,' the first from Israel since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that sparked the war in Gaza. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Thursday's press briefing that Trump had said: 'I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' Instead, the U.S. president struck just two days later. Trump appears to have made the calculation — at the prodding of Israeli officials and many Republican lawmakers — that Israel's operation had softened the ground and presented a perhaps unparalleled opportunity to set back Iran's nuclear program, perhaps permanently. The Israelis say their offensive has already crippled Iran's air defences, allowing them to already significantly degrade multiple Iranian nuclear sites. But to destroy the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, Israel appealed to Trump for US bunker-busting bomb, which uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets and then explode. The penetrator is currently only delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber, which is only found in the American arsenal. The bomb carries a conventional warhead, and is believed to be able to penetrate about 200 feet (61 meters) below the surface before exploding, and the bombs can be dropped one after another, effectively drilling deeper and deeper with each successive blast. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran is producing highly enriched uranium at Fordo, raising the possibility that nuclear material could be released into the area if the GBU-57 A/B were used to hit the facility. Previous Israeli strikes at another Iranian nuclear site, Natanz, on a centrifuge site have caused contamination only at the site itself, not the surrounding area, the IAEA has said. Mr Trump's decision for direct US military intervention comes after his administration made an unsuccessful two-month push — including with high-level, direct negotiations with the Iranians — aimed at persuading Tehran to curb its nuclear programme. For months, Mr Trump said he was dedicated to a diplomatic push to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. And he twice — in April and again in late May — persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on military action against Iran and give diplomacy more time. The US in recent days has been shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel and US bases from Iranian attacks. All the while, Mr Trump has gone from publicly expressing hope that the moment could be a 'second chance' for Iran to make a deal to delivering explicit threats on Mr Khamenei and making calls for Tehran's unconditional surrender. 'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding,' Mr Trump said in a social media posting. 'He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.' The military showdown with Iran comes seven years after Mr Trump withdrew the US from the Obama-administration brokered agreement in 2018, calling it the 'worst deal ever'. The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, US and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran's enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Mr Trump decried the Obama-era deal for giving Iran too much in return for too little, because the agreement did not cover Iran's non-nuclear malign behaviour. Mr Trump has bristled at criticism from some of his Maga faithful, including conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, who have suggested that further US involvement would be a betrayal to supporters who were drawn to his promise to end US involvement in expensive and endless wars.
