The US has reportedly struck three Iranian nuclear sites, with President Trump declaring it a historic moment. Trump plans to address the nation about the military operation, while Israel confirms the killing of two Quds Force officials amidst ongoing conflict and potential negotiations from Iran.Trump claims US struck three nuclear sites in Iran amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. (via REUTERS)
As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week, US President Donald Trump now says that the Washington has struck three nuclear sites of the Islamic Republic, directly joining Tel Aviv's effort to target nuclear infrastructure of Iran, which began last week.
Here are the top updates from the Israel-Iran conflict —
Iran acknowledges ‘American enemy’ attack
The Islamic Republic has acknowledged the US strikes on its key nuclear sites, in a statement of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation posted by Iran's Embassy in India on X.
The statement read, “Following the brutal attacks by the Zionist enemy in recent days, early this morning, the country’s nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were subjected to savage aggression—an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT.”
Claiming the airstrikes to be unlawful, it said, “This action, which violates international regulations, unfortunately took place under the indifference—and even complicity—of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
The statement further added, “The American enemy, through virtual space and by the declaration of its president, has taken responsibility for the attacks on the mentioned sites, which are under continuous IAEA monitoring in accordance with the Safeguards Agreement and the NPT…”
Trump warns of more strikes
Donald Trump announced that the US had struck three Iranian nuclear facilities amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. During an address to the nation at 10 pm ET, Trump warned that the US would strike more targets “with precision” if Iran does not make peace. He said, “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
Describing the latest airstrikes as “most difficult” and “most lethal” since last week, Trump added, “…if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
Trump announces US military strikes
In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Saturday informed that the US successfully struck three nuclear facilities of Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. The direct involvement of the US comes days after Trump kept the world guessing whether Washington will directly engage in the conflict or not.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," 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,” Trump stated on his Truth Social handle.He added, “President Trump, I thank you. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history.”
B2 bombers used
B2 bombers or stealth bombers were used by the US to target three nuclear sites of Iran, according to multiple reports. However, neither the White House nor Trump specified what type of B-2 bombers were used.
Iranian TV host warns Trump
Following the US strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday, a viral video surfaced in which Iranian State TV showcased a map of US military bases across the Middle East, warning of retaliation. "Mr. President of the United States, you started it and we will finish it," asserted the TV host, with the speech translated by RT.com.
‘More devastating’ retaliation, says Iran
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned on Saturday about a "more devastating" response if Israel continues with its nine-day bombing campaign, affirming that the Islamic Republic will not stop its nuclear programme "under any circumstances. "
Pezeshkian also stated that Tehran may “provide guarantees” and “build trust” regarding its nuclear activities, state news agency IRNA reported, following a call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday.
2 Quds Force officials killed
Israel announced that two commanders from Iran’s Quds Force were killed in overnight strikes. The Israeli military stated that it has “eliminated” Behnam Shahriyari, who was allegedly in charge of transferring weapons from Iran to its proxies throughout the Middle East, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported. Saeed Izaadi was also killed, who “had strong ties with Hamas’ military wing,” IDF said.
Turkey is ready to negotiate
On Saturday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey expressed his willingness to facilitate a resolution to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as stated by his office.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei names successors
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has named three senior leaders as possible successors in case he is killed, The New York Times reports, citing three Iranian officials aware of the development.
Israel-Iran conflict
The tensions between the two countries escalated after Netanyahu announced that Israel struck at “the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme." He warned Israel's operation against Iran to “continue as many days as it takes." In response to the airstrikes, Iran launched missiles at Israel.
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