Featured Image Credit: Getty/Pool
Topics: US News, World News, Donald Trump, Politics
Anish Vij
Under Donald Trump’s orders, America launched a series of missile strikes that struck Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.
'Operation Midnight Hammer' took place on Saturday night (21 June) with targets including three major nuclear sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The mission lasted roughly 18 hours and involved 125 aircraft, including decoys from the main strike.
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While Trump called it a 'spectacular military success', allies such as the UK have urged for de-escalation.
"A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"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."
In a follow-up post on Monday (23 June), the US president wrote that 'Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran'.
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"As shown by satellite images, Obliteration is an accurate term!" he added.
"The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame.
"The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!"
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Iran's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called America's missile attack 'outrageous, extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour' in a post on X.
"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," he wrote.
Araghchi added: "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. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people."
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain was aware of the attacks before they took place, but has called for de-escalation.
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"Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security," the PM said on Sunday.
"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."