Everything we know following US strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran as Trump issues warning
Here's everything we know after the US bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran overnight, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump discussed earlier this week how he would make his mind up within two weeks on whether to bomb Iran, and he finally pulled the plug on Saturday evening (June 21).
Where has the US bombed in Iran?
The US began hit missiles on Fordo, a plant hidden well in a remote mountainside that is said to be crucial to Iran's nuclear ambitions, according to the BBC.
Nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan were also hit by the US, according to Trump.
What has been the impact of the US strikes on Iran?
It remains unclear at this stage the exact damage caused by the US attack, including whether there are any injuries or even deaths.
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However, Trump did describe the operation as a 'spectacular military success' and stated Iran's nuclear facilities had been 'obliterated'.
There has been no increase in radiation levels after the attack, according to both Saudi Arabia and the UN's nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
What has Trump said about the US strikes on Iran?
With Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio standing alongside him, Trump announced to the world overnight that missiles had been fired at Iran.
The president said: "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success."
And the president warned future attacks would be 'far greater', before adding: "Remember, there are many targets left."
Taking to Truth Social, the 47th POTUS continued: "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. 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.
"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."
How has Iran responded to the US strikes?
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister took to Twitter shortly after the attack and said: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations.
"The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior."
The government minister went on to say Iran 'reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people'.
How have other world leaders reacted to the US strikes?
The UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to Twitter following the strikes, stating the US took action to 'alleviate' the threat posted by Iran's nuclear programme.
The PM wrote: "Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
"The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis."
How did the Israel-Iran conflict start?
Iran has been accused of attempting to develop a nuclear warhead, mining large quantities of uranium before enriching it.
Israel subsequently conducted strikes in Tehran, the Iranian capital, since June 13, an effort that had not involved US involvement up until now.
They targeted nuclear and military sites in the country amid worries surrounding Iran's nuclear efforts.
In retaliation, Iran has fired back its own missiles, with some even getting through the country’s Iron Dome defenses in Tel Aviv.
Topics: Donald Trump, Iran, US News, World News, Israel, Twitter, Truth Social
Callum Jones