US attack on Iran was largest B-2 bomber strike in US history
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
More news: Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing on Sunday, US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth said that the US’ strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were not carried out with the goal of regime change in the Islamic Republic.
"The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interest posed by — post by the Iranian nuclear mission and the threats posed to our troops and ally Israel," he said.
Hegseth said that President Trump "wanted a negotiated outcome and gave Iran every single opportunity" to "give up enrichment, give up the nuclear program, he realised it had to be a certain action taken in order to minimise the threat to us and our troops.”
Hegseth said that the US is giving Iran every opportunity to come to the negotiating table, and warned that the US will aggressively defend its nation and citizens should Iran choose to retaliate.
Also speaking at the briefing, US Air Force general John Caine said that the operation, codenamed ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ was the largest B-2 bomber strike in US history. The general said that US forces used 75 precision guided weapons on top of 14 massive ordinance penetrator bombs (MOPs), as well as seven B-2 bombers.
Caine said that the US’ initial damage assessments indicate the three targeted nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, sustained “extremely severe damage and destruction.”
"More than 125 US Air craft participated in this mission, including B-2 Stealth Bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refuelling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and a full array of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals."
Caine added: "As the Secretary said, this was the largest B-2 operational strike in US history and the second longest B-2 mission ever flown, exceeded only by those in the days following 9/11."
Russia, China condemn US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
More news: Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, saying in a statement on Sunday that it had begun “a new round of escalation that risks further undermining regional and global security.”
“The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes…grossly violates international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions,” the ministry said. The consequences of this action, including radiological ones, have yet to be assessed,” it said, calling on the UN Security Council to respond and collectively reject “the confrontational actions of the United States and Israel.”
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council also accused US President Donald Trump of having started a new war: "Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the U.S.," Medvedev said via Telegram, adding that "with this kind of success, Trump won't win the Nobel Peace Prize".
China also condemned the attacks, stating “China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA.” The ministry said that the actions of the US “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.”
“China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation. China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Liberal leader Sussan Ley backs US attack on Iran
More news: The Coalition has backed the United States’ strike on Iran, with leader Sussan Ley arguing that “the world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime”.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Ley claimed Tehran developing a nuclear weapon would constitute “a serious and direct threat to world peace”.
“The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to,” she said.
Ley also cited a range of domestic issues in Iran, including the regime’s crackdown on dissent and its suppression of rights for women and girls, to justify her support for the attack.
Fox News reported on Sunday afternoon Australian time that the US had dropped six “bunker bombs” — each weighing 13,000 kg — on the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow, which is built into a mountain.
The US president reportedly made the revelation in an interview with Fox News host and Trump supporter Sean Hannity, which has not yet aired.
What they said: “The Coalition stands with the United States of America today. We can never allow the Iranian regime the capacity to enact its objectives of the destruction of the United States and Israel,” Ley said.
Albanese government urges 'dialogue' after Trump attacks Iran
The news: The Albanese government has again called for “de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” after the US directly attacked Iran in a series of air strikes on the country's nuclear facilities.
The context: Hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed his country had joined Israel's conflict with Iran, an Australian government spokesperson warned the situation was “highly volatile” and argued Iran’s ballistic missile program was a "threat to international peace and security”.
“We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace … We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“Australians in Israel and Iran and the region should continue to monitor public safety information provided by local authorities, including to shelter in place when required. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be communicating directly with registered Australians about preparations for assisted departures.”
Earlier this week, Australia evacuated its embassy in Tehran as Trump mulled joining Israel in attacking Iran. Israel struck Iran with a missile barrage ten days ago – while the US was negotiating with Tehran – and the two countries have since exchanged missile attacks.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison claimed on Sunday that the US president had “no further options”.
“It is certainly not something I think the president has rushed towards or even preferred, but he has been resolute about the need to resolve this issue,” he told ABC News.
On Friday, the White House announced a decision on direct US involvement within a fortnight.
On Sunday, Trump confirmed the US had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear facilities in a series of attacks, flagging further attacks if Tehran responds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified its attacks on Iran by claiming Tehran was on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon, a claim he has made repeatedly for over three decades.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contradicted that claim under oath in March, but reversed her stance on Sunday after Trump told reporters: “She’s wrong”.
What they said: “The strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump said in a televised address.
“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”
