Washington: President Donald Trump has said that the US 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.
The decision to directly involve the US 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.
But US and Israeli officials have said that American stealth bombers and a 30,000-lb 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," Trump said in a post on social media on Saturday.
"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 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.
UN Security Council to meet on Iran as Russia, China push for ceasefire
June 22, 2025 11:19 pm
UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council will meet on Sunday to discuss the US strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. It was not immediately clear when it could be put to a vote. The three countries circulated the draft text, said diplomats, and asked members to share their comments by Monday evening. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China to pass. The US is likely to oppose the draft resolution. Reuters
Iran's top security body to decide on Hormuz closure after Parliament approval: Reports
June 22, 2025 8:36 pm
Iran's Supreme National Security Council must make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Press TV said on Sunday, after Parliament reportedly approved the measure. The decision to close the strait, through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, is not yet final. But lawmaker and Revolutionary Guards Commander Esmail Kosari told the Young Journalist Club on Sunday that doing so is on the agenda and "will be done whenever necessary." Reuters
US doesn't want to pursue war with Iran: Pentagon
June 22, 2025 6:43 pm
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that America “does not seek war” with Iran in the aftermath of a surprise attack overnight on three of that country's nuclear sites. The mission, called “Operation Midnight Hammer”, involved decoys and deception, and met with no Iranian resistance, Hegseth and Air Force Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Pentagon news conference. “This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” Hegseth added. Caine said the goal of the operation — destroying nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — had been achieved. “Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Caine said. AP
US wants to pursue diplomatic process with Iran: Vice President Vance
June 22, 2025 6:16 pm
Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that the United States had successfully set back Iran's nuclear weapons program, adding that President Donald Trump now hopes to pursue a diplomatic solution. "We do not want to protract this or build this out anymore than it's already been built out. We want to end their nuclear program," Vance said, speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press with Kristen Welker." "We want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here," he added. Reuters
US strikes 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear ambitions, Pentagon chief says
June 22, 2025 6:14 pm
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that US military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were an incredible and overwhelming success that have obliterated Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top US general, General Dan Caine, said was named "Operation Midnight." Reuters
Putin has no plans to talk to Trump after US strikes on Iran: Kremlin
June 22, 2025 5:27 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin has no immediate plans to dial his US counterpart Donald Trump after the US bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities, the Kremlin said on Sunday. “There are no such plans,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. However, he added that a call can be quickly arranged in case of need. His remarks came when asked about the possibility of a phone call between Trump and Putin after US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday.
Russia strongly condemns US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran
June 22, 2025 4:05 pm
Risk of conflict in the Middle East has increased significantly; irresponsible decision to target Iran is violation of international law, says Russian Foreign Ministry. Reuters
Iran says it cannot return to diplomacy while under attack, will consult with Russia on Monday
June 22, 2025 4:03 pm
Iran reserves all options to defend its security, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday, adding that Tehran could not return to diplomacy while under attack by Israel and the United States, and would consult with Russia on Monday. "The US showed they have no respect for international law. They only understand the language of threat and force," Araqchi said, adding that Tehran has to respond based on its rights before diplomacy can be reconsidered. The Iranian foreign minister said he will fly to Russia, with whom Iran has a strategic partnership, and consult with President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Reuters
PM Modi speaks to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discusses current situation
June 22, 2025 3:25 pm
New Delhi: Spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussed in detail about the current situation: PM Modi. PTI
US 'fully responsible' for consequences of its strikes on Iran, says Iran's top diplomat
June 22, 2025 3:11 pm
Dubai: Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday that Washington is “fully responsible” for what actions the Islamic Republic takes next in retaliation against the US strikes on its various nuclear sites. “The warmongering, a lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression,” Abbas Araghchi said in a news briefing at a conference in Turkiye. These were the first public statements from a high-ranking Iranian official since the US carried out its strikes. AP
Any move to target Iran's supreme leader would prompt 'unlimited' response: Iranian official
June 22, 2025 2:59 pm
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that any move to target Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would "shut the door" to any deal or negotiation and would prompt an "unlimited response". "For Iran, such an act would be seen as crossing all red lines — and would justify an unlimited and unrestricted response," the senior official said. Reuters
Images show damage at Iran's Fordo nuclear site after US strikes
June 22, 2025 2:50 pm
Dubai: Satellite images taken on Sunday and analysed by The Associated Press show damage to the entryways to Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordo after US airstrikes targeted the facility. The images by Planet Labs PBC also appeared to show damage to the mountain itself that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means that Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside. The once-brown mountain had parts turned gray and its contours appeared slightly different than in previous images, suggesting a blast threw up debris around the site. That suggests the use of specialised American bunker buster bombs on the facility. Light gray smoke also hung in the air. Iran has yet to offer a damage assessment of the site. AP
Israeli airspace to open on Sunday 1100-1700 GMT for landings
June 22, 2025 1:57 pm
Israeli airspace will open on Sunday 1100-1700 GMT for landings, Israel airports authority said. Reuters
Israel says it took out 2 of Iran's F-5 fighter jets
June 22, 2025 1:39 pm
Jerusalem: Israel says it hit the aircraft at Iran's Dezful airport. The F-5s are part of Iran's ageing fleet of fighter jets from the era of the Shah. Israel released black-and-white footage showing one of the aircraft being destroyed. Israel previously hit F-14 Tomcats flown by the Iranian military in the war. However, it isn't clear if these aircraft were airworthy as many have been grounded over the years due to a lack of parts. Israel also said it struck other sites, including around Isfahan's airport. Iran has not acknowledged losses of aircraft or other materiel in the war so far. Meanwhile, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched 40 missiles, including its Khorramshahr-4, during the attack on Israel on Sunday morning. Iran has said the Khorramshahr-4 can carry multiple warheads. AP
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says US itself launched dangerous war against Iran
June 22, 2025 12:23 pm
Dubai: Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that "the US has itself launched a dangerous war against Iran” after America attacked three nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic. The ministry made the remarks in a long statement posted on Sunday morning. “The world must not forget that it was the United States - during an ongoing diplomatic process - that betrayed diplomacy by supporting the aggressive actions of the genocidal and lawless Israeli regime,” the ministry said. “Now, by completing the chain of violations and crimes committed by the Zionist regime, the US has itself launched a dangerous war against Iran.” It added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to resist with full force against US military aggression and the crimes committed by this rogue regime, and to defend Iran's security and national interests.” AP
Multiple explosions heard in central Israel: Reuters witnesses
June 22, 2025 12:14 pm
Multiple explosions were heard in central Israel, Reuters witnesses said. Reuters
UN watchdog says no increase in radiation off sites that US hit
June 22, 2025 10:58 am
Tel Aviv: The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Sunday that there has been “no increase in off-site radiation levels” after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The UN nuclear watchdog sent the message via X on Sunday. “The IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time,” it said. The “IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available.” AP
Iran asks for emergency meeting of UN Security Council over US strikes
June 22, 2025 10:22 am
Washington: Iran's ambassador to the United Nations called on Sunday for an emergency Security Council meeting for what he described as America's “heinous attacks and illegal use of force” against Iran. In a letter, obtained by the AP, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said that the UN's most powerful body must “take all necessary measures” to hold the US accountable under international law and the UN charter. “The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns and denounces in the strongest possible terms these unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression, which have followed the large-scale military attack conducted by the Israeli regime on 13 June against Iran's peaceful nuclear sites and facilities," the letter continued. AP
Netanyahu welcomes US strikes
June 22, 2025 9:40 am
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision to attack in a video message directed to the American president. “Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,” he said. Netanyahu said the US “has done what no other country on earth could do”. AP
Quiet outside White House as Trump describes Iran strikes
June 22, 2025 9:40 am
Tel Aviv: After Trump spoke to the country about the bombing in Iran, the White House had an eerie calm. There was darkness outside the West Wing, other than bright TV crew lights and yellow lights from the nearby Eisenhower Executive Office Building overlooking the White House. A siren rang in the background in city traffic that continued without pausing for the historic moment. Trump's speech came on in the overhead speakers in the White House press area, only for his voice to give way to a sudden silence after he thanked God. AP
Trump calls Netanyahu after strikes
June 22, 2025 9:39 am
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video that Trump called him after the strikes. “It was a very warm conversation, very emotional,” Netanyahu said. Speaking in Hebrew, he called Trump a friend of Israel like no one before him. “In my name, and on behalf of all citizens of Israel and on behalf of the entire Jewish world, I thank him from the bottom of my heart.” AP
US strikes on Iran used bunker buster' bombs, cruise missiles
June 22, 2025 9:39 am
Washington: The US military used “bunker-buster” bombs in its attack on Iran's Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, which is built deep into a mountain, a US official said. That official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. The 30,000-pound bunker-busting American bomb known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to penetrate underground and then explode. Saturday's strikes were the first time it has been used in combat. US submarines also participated in the attacks in Iran, launching about 30 Tomahawk land attack missiles, according to another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. AP
Iran says 'no signs of contamination' after US strikes nuclear facilities
June 22, 2025 9:38 am
Dubai: Iran said early on Sunday there were “no signs of contamination” at its nuclear sites at Isfahan, Fordo and Natanz after US airstrikes targeted the facilities. Iranian state media quoted the country's National Nuclear Safety System Centre, which published a statement saying its radiation detectors had recorded no radioactive release after the strikes. “There is no danger to the residents living around the aforementioned sites,” the statement added. AP
No radioactive traces detected in environment: Saudi nuclear regulator
June 22, 2025 8:39 am
Saudi nuclear regulator: No radioactive traces detected in the environment of the kingdom or Arab gulf states as a result of US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Reuters
Trump wins immediate praise from Republicans in Congress after announcing strikes on Iran
June 22, 2025 8:32 am
Washington: Congressional Republicans — and at least one Democrat — immediately praised President Donald Trump after he said on Saturday evening that the US military bombed three sites in Iran. AP
Iran's nuclear agency confirms strikes on atomic sites
June 22, 2025 8:29 am
Dubai: Iran's nuclear agency on Sunday confirmed attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz atomic sites, but is insisting its work will not be stopped. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran issued the statement after President Donald Trump announced the American attack on the facilities. “The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran assures the great Iranian nation that despite the evil conspiracies of its enemies, with the efforts of thousands of its revolutionary and motivated scientists and experts, it will not allow the development of this national industry, which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, to be stopped,” it said in its statement. AP
Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'completely and fully obliterated' by US strikes
June 22, 2025 8:26 am
Washington: President Donald Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” by US strikes. Trump made the comments at the White House on Saturday night hours after announcing the US military had carried out strikes against three key nuclear facilities in Iran. The president also warned Tehran against carrying out retaliatory attacks against the US, saying Iran has choice between “peace or tragedy". AP
UN condemns US strikes on Iran
June 22, 2025 8:24 am
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was “gravely alarmed” by the “dangerous escalation” of American bombers attacking nuclear sites in Iran. “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. He said that “at this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos” and called for further diplomacy. AP
Trump says he worked 'as a team' with Israel's prime minister to strike Iran
June 22, 2025 8:22 am
Washington: US President Donald Trump said he worked “as a team” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran, saying the collaboration was “perhaps” like “no team has worked before”. But Trump also noted that no military in the world except for that of the US could have pulled off the attack. AP
Iran's nuclear program threatened our very existence: Netanyahu
June 22, 2025 8:18 am
Israel's Netanyahu: Iran's nuclear program threatened our very existence and endangered world peace. Reuters
