The United States yesterday launched an assault on three nuclear sites in Iran, bringing the US directly into a conflict that threatens to escalate in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump claimed in an address to the American people that nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and – crucially – Fordow, the “nuclear mountain” that could only be penetrated by American military technology, had been “completely and totally obliterated”.

Trump said he hoped that Iran would engage in peace talks, but he also threatened any retaliatory action would be met with force and lead to “tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days”.

Overnight, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said America “does not seek war” with Iran, despite entering the latest conflict on the side of Israel, while Air Force General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said “all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction”.

How did the US pull off this surprise attack? Known as “Midnight Hammer”, the extensive, complex and long-planned operation included 125 aircraft, 14 bunker-buster bombs, and a submarine. The 37-hour mission included a decoy run of B-2 stealth bombers flying west over the Pacific while the “strike package” headed east towards Iran.

Known as “Midnight Hammer”, the extensive, complex and long-planned operation included 125 aircraft, 14 bunker-buster bombs, and a submarine. The 37-hour mission included a decoy run of B-2 stealth bombers flying west over the Pacific while the “strike package” headed east towards Iran. What comes next? Iran’s top diplomat will travel to Moscow today to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin . The International Atomic Energy Agency called an emergency meeting as fears grow of escalation in the Middle East. As for Trump? North America correspondent Michael Koziol writes: “Despite his declaration of success, it is too soon to tell whether this was a master stroke or a mistake.”

Iran’s top diplomat will travel to Moscow today to meet with Russian President . The International Atomic Energy Agency called an emergency meeting as fears grow of escalation in the Middle East. As for Trump? North America correspondent writes: “Despite his declaration of success, it is too soon to tell whether this was a master stroke or a mistake.” How will Iran respond? The regime has threatened a full and ferocious response with “everlasting consequences”, and had already flagged its intention to target US military and diplomatic sites if America entered the war. However, Iran’s options are limited, according to Middle East and security analyst Rodger Shanahan , who writes: “It is relatively weak militarily and Israel has air supremacy. Iran’s armed non-state supporting actors have either been degraded, or internal political or broader national considerations have forced them to critically re-evaluate that support.”

The regime has threatened a full and ferocious response with “everlasting consequences”, and had already flagged its intention to target US military and diplomatic sites if America entered the war. However, Iran’s options are limited, according to Middle East and security analyst , who writes: “It is relatively weak militarily and Israel has air supremacy. Iran’s armed non-state supporting actors have either been degraded, or internal political or broader national considerations have forced them to critically re-evaluate that support.” What about the enriched uranium? A senior Iranian source has told Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium had been removed from the Fordow nuclear facility before the US attack. Experts have said chemical contamination was the most likely consequence of damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, but the prospect of nuclear fallout or widespread contamination was low. More on this from science reporter Angus Dalton here.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest developments throughout the day.

Map: Nuclear sites hit by US military bombing raid

Watch: Donald Trump’s address to the American people

After ten days of airstrikes initiated by Israel aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear programme which have led to deadly daily exchanges of missile fire between Tehran and Tel Aviv, the UN chief said that diplomacy must now prevail.

“We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation,” he said, responding to the US intervention overnight in support of Israel’s military campaign, which targeted three facilities involved in uranium enrichment.

Return to serious negotiations essential

“We must act – immediately and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme,” Mr. Guterres added.

He told ambassadors the citizens of the wider Middle East region could not endure yet another cycle of destruction. Demanding a ceasefire, he also put Iran on notice that it must “fully respect” the Non-Proliferation Treaty on the development of nuclear weapons as a cornerstone of peace and security worldwide.

Iran has consistently denied the allegation from Israel and others that its ambitions are to become a nuclear armed State, versus developing atomic energy for purely peaceful purposes.

Israel, the US and Iran face a stark choice. “One path leads to a wider war,” the UN chief continued, “deeper human suffering and serious damage to the international order. The other leads to de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue.”

Grossi warns of major risks following strikes

The head of the UN’s atomic energy watchdog, the IAEA, warned ambassadors the recent military strikes by Israel and now the US on nuclear sites in Iran have badly compromised safety and could pose serious risks if the situation worsens.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said the attacks had caused “a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security”, even though there had been no radiation leaks which could potentially impact the public so far.

The IAEA chief warned ambassadors that if the short window of opportunity to return to dialogue closes then the destruction could be “unthinkable” while the global nuclear non-proliferation regime “as we know it could crumble and fall.”

Mr. Grossi confirmed that Iran’s main enrichment facility at Natanz had suffered major damage, including to key power infrastructure and underground halls containing uranium materials.

He said the main concern inside the site was now chemical contamination, which can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

Massive radiation leak still possible

He also listed damage at other nuclear-related sites across the country, including Esfahan, Arak and Tehran, adding that while radiation levels outside remained normal, the attacks had raised alarm over Iran’s operational nuclear plant at Bushehr.

Mr. Grossi warned that any strike on Bushehr could trigger a massive radiation release across the region. “The risk is real,” he said. “Military escalation threatens lives and delays the diplomacy that’s needed to resolve this crisis.”

He urged all sides to show restraint and said the IAEA stood ready to send experts back in to help monitor and protect damaged nuclear sites.

Senior political affairs official: ‘No military solution’

Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča told ambassadors that the world is facing “a dangerous moment” following the US bombing mission, as Iran considers potential retaliation.

UN Photo/ Evan Schneider

He warned the council that the region risks being “engulfed in further instability and volatility”, with “no military solution to this conflict”.

Mr. Jenča confirmed extensive damage at Iranian sites, citing open-source satellite imagery and Iranian reports that tunnels and buildings at the Fordow nuclear facility had been hit. He urged Tehran to grant IAEA inspectors access “as soon as safety conditions allow”.

Death toll mounting

Hostilities between Iran and Israel are now into their tenth day, and Mr. Jenča said the humanitarian toll is mounting. “Most [of the 430 killed in Iran] have been civilians,” he noted, while also citing Israeli reports of 25 dead and over 1,300 injured.

He also flagged growing threats from non-State armed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen, warning that their retaliation could widen the conflict. Iran’s parliament, meanwhile, has voiced support for closing the crucial trading route through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.

“The world will not be spared from the ramifications of this dangerous conflict,” Mr. Jenča said, urging countries to act in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Donald Trump has poured scorn on Iran after his overnight bombing campaign as he hailed America’s “spectacular military success’ once again.

The President, in a social media attack on Republican Congressman Thomas Massie – who opposed the bombing – said the US had “taken the bomb right out of their hands” and warned that Iran “would use it if they could”.

“He’s a simple minded ‘grandstander’ who thinks it’s good politics for Iran to have the highest level nuclear weapon, while at the same time yelling ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ at every chance they get,” Trump blasted.

“Iran has killed and maimed thousands of Americans, and even took over the American Embassy in Tehran under the Carter Administration.

“We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the ‘bomb’ right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!) but, as usual, and despite all of the praise and accolades received, this ‘lightweight’ Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran.”

Speaking overnight after the US launched its strikes against Iran, Trump hailed Operation Midnight Hammer as a “spectacular military success”, adding: “Iran, the bully of the Middle East must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”

Keir Starmer speaks to Donald Trump for first time following bombing raid on Iran Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump for the first time after the US bombing raids on Iran, Downing Street has said. “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening,” a No10 statement reads. “The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security. “They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. “They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement. “They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days.”

Atomic watchdog confirms US bombers hit tunnels at key nuclear site Entrances to tunnels used to store part of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile at the sprawling Isfahan nuclear complex were hit in US military strikes overnight, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Sunday. “We have established that entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement. Officials have previously said much of Iran’s most highly enriched uranium was stored underground at Isfahan. In another statement to the UN Security Council soon after the IAEA statement was issued, the agency’s chief Rafael Grossi appeared to confirm the tunnels hit were part of the area used for the storage of that stockpile. “Entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit,” he said, referring to Isfahan.

Iran claims nuclear sites being rebuilt at speed after US bombers pierce three key facilities Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency has claimed that its nuclear sites are being “quickly rebuilt” after Donald Trump’s overnight bombing raid. Iranian media reports say that activity at the sites – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – will continue “with greater power”.

RECAP: Iran’s Parliament approves plan to BLOCK major shipping route The Iranian Parliament has edged closer to blocking the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Tehran, which looks set to rock global markets by disrupting trade flows in the region, is expected to hand its National Security Council the final decision on the matter. The Strait of Hormuz carries through it an estimated 20 per cent of global oil and gas demand. Iranian MPs threw their weight behind the closure shortly after the US urged Tehran against retaliating.

Marco Rubio demands Iran hand over its uranium as Tehran ‘hides nuclear material deep underground’ Marco Rubio has told Iran to hand over its enriched uranium which the US believes is “buried deep under the ground” at the Isfahan nuclear site. The US Secretary of State, asked about reports Iran had snuck stockpiles out of its Fordow facility ahead of American air strikes last night, said: “No one will know for sure for days, but I doubt they moved it. “You really can’t move anything right now, and they can’t move anything right now inside of Iran,” he told CBS. “The minute a truck starts driving somewhere, the Israelis have seen it and they’ve targeted it and taken it out. “Our assessment is we have to assume that that’s a lot of 60 percent enriched uranium buried deep under the ground there in Isfahan, and that really is the key. “What they should do with that is they should bring it out of the ground and turn it over. Multiple countries around the world will take it and down-blend it.”

‘E3’ leaders issue joint statement on Iran bombing raid The leaders of the “E3” nations – France, Germany and Britain – have released a joint statement this afternoon. “We have discussed the latest developments in the Middle East earlier today,” it says. “We reiterate our commitment to peace and stability for all countries in the region. We affirm our support for the security of Israel. “We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security. “Earlier today, the United States has conducted targeted military strikes against nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Our aim continues to be to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear programme. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties. “We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region. “We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further.”

‘You should be thanking us’, says Israel as Russia, China and Pakistan queue up to condemn US bombing raids Israel’s UN ambassador has demanded that Russia, China and Pakistan thank his country and the US following Donald Trump’s overnight bombing raids on Iran. The three countries have urged the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East – which cannot pass if just one of the US, France, Britain, Russia or China vetoes it. Iran, meanwhile, has urged the 15-member council “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms”. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon then said in a statement that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place”.

Israeli fighter jets blitz ‘dozens of targets’ across Iran Israeli fighter jets have struck “dozens” of targets in 10 Iranian cities today – including a long-range missile facility in central Iran for the first time. A military statement said “approximately 30 IAF (air force) fighter jets struck dozens of military targets throughout Iran” – including “the ‘Imam Hussein’ Strategic Missile Command Center in the Yazd area, where long-range Khorramshahr missiles were stored”.

Terrified Tel Aviv resident tells GB News: ‘If Iran had access to a nuclear weapon, they would have used it too’ Yifat Fouchs has told GB News of the chaos Iran wreaked on Israel overnight YIFAT FOUCHS Yifat Fouchs, who lives in Ramat Aviv, a suburb of Tel Aviv, has told GB News of the chaos Iran wreaked on Israel overnight. “This morning, we were sitting in the bomb shelter when the entire building shook. “The feeling was terrifying. When I went outside, I saw everything destroyed entire homes had collapsed. It’s devastating. Friends of ours, families, children – we know so many who have been evacuated. “But despite the shock, we are strong. “We understand this is a war for Israel’s very existence. “They fired ballistic missiles at us without hesitation. If they had access to a nuclear weapon, they would have used it too. That’s why the decision taken by Israel and the United States was bold but absolutely necessary.”

RECAP: Iran warns ‘every American is a target’ and threatens revenge as Tehran to meet Vladimir Putin Iranian state media has warned that every American in the Middle East is now a target following Donald Trump’s bombing blitz last night. In a state televised broadcast, a TV anchor was heard issuing the warning towards both citizens and military personnel, stressing: “The US has committed a crime against Iran by violating Iran’s airspace. “It has no place in the West Asian region. Mr President of the United States, you started it and we will end it.” The warning comes as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Ahead of Monday’s meeting, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told Tehran that the Kremlin is prepared to work to de-escalate the situation. The White House is also believed to be discussing the possibility of meeting with Iranian officials.

REVEALED: How US took Iran completely by surprise as Pentagon shares secret plan Iran was caught out by America’s overnight bombing blitz, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine has said, as he shed light on the Pentagon’s clinical operation. The top Trump official faced reporters to reveal how the US went about pulverising Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in an operation that has been codenamed ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’. The US airstrikes have been praised by President Trump who said the sites were “completely and totally obliterated” before warning Tehran more action could be taken should it refuse to renege. In a comprehensive summary of the operation, Caine told reporters: “Last night, on the President’s orders, US Central Command executed Operation Midnight Hammer, a deliberate and precise strike against three Iranian nuclear facilities. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

‘Not about regime change!’ US claims strikes only focused on Iranian nuclear programme US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran were not focused on bringing about regime change in Tehran. Speaking in a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth said: This mission was not and has not been about regime change. “The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, and the collective self-defence of our troops and our ally, Israel.”

‘Obliterated!’ Hegseth confident US strikes ended Iran’s nuclear plans US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran ended Iran’s nuclear plans. Speaking from the Pentagon, Hegseth said: “Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.” Hegseth also said that the operation, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, was the “final blow” to Tehran’s nuclear programme, He added: “When this president speaks, the world should listen. “And the US military – we can back it up. “The most powerful military the world has ever known – no other country on planet Earth could have conducted the operation that the chairman is going to outline this morning.”

US Defence Secretary holds press conference after Iran strikes – ‘Overwhelming success!’ US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth GBNEWS US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has held a press conference after Donald Trump bombed Iran in the early hours of the morning. Hegseth admitted that the aim was “to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear programme”. “It was an incredible and overwhelming success,” he added. “We devastated the Iranian nuclear programme.”

WATCH IN FULL: Keir Starmer issues response to Donald Trump’s Iran strikes

China condemns Donald Trump strikes and warns US ‘violated’ UN charter China’s foreign ministry has “strongly condemned” Donald Trump’s strikes and warned that the US “violated” UN’s charter.

Keir Starmer to hold emergency Cobra meeting as he urges Iran de-escalation Keir Starmer to hold emergency Cobra meeting as he urges Iran de-escalation GB NEWS Keir Starmer will hold an emergency Cobra meeting today after overnight US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Cobra (Cabinet Office Briefing Room A) meetings are called in emergency scenarios including civil unrest and international conflicts. Speaking out about the attack, Starmer called for de-escalation as he ponders the threat of all-out war. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer to hold emergency Cobra meeting after backing Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran Sir Keir Starmer will hold an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon after Donald Trump launched air strikes on Iran last night. The Prime Minister has held multiple Cobra meetings since Israel launched its aerial assault on Iran last Friday. Today’s meeting is expected to address Trump’s bombings of the underground Fordow plant and two other targets on Sunday morning.

British soldiers ‘prepared for all eventualities’ as Iran sends grisly warning after US strikes Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has addressed concerns about Britain’s military preparedness following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, acknowledging public anxiety about potential escalation. Speaking on GB News, Reynolds said: “A lot of people will be getting up, having their breakfast and wondering, ‘what does this mean?'” The Labour minister sought to provide reassurance about the UK’s readiness for various scenarios.

“While Britain’s armed forces have not been involved, we have been preparing for some time for all eventualities,” he stated. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

WATCH IN FULL: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi blasts ‘lawless bully’ Donald Trump

‘Too far!’ Iran blasts ‘lawless bully’ Trump as Starmer’s diplomacy call falls on deaf ears Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has blasted Donald Trump as a “lawless bully” amid calls for Tehran to show “restraint” after last night’s US strikes. Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Araghchi said: “He has come too far and especially to allow a lawless bully to take us back to the law of the jungle. “The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Security Council to convene an emergency session to unequivocally condemn the criminal act of aggression by the United States against Iran, and to hold the administration in Washington accountable for its violations of fundamental principles of United Nations Charter and of norms of international law. “The responsibility of the IAEA and its Director General, who, through evidence bias in favour of warmongering parties, paved the way for the current violence and bloodshed is now clearer than ever. “We call on the IAEA Board of Governors to immediately convene and carry out its legal responsibility in response to the dangerous US attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, all of which have been under the agency’s full safeguards and monitoring.” He added: “The world must not forget that it was the United States which, in the midst of a process to forge a diplomatic outcome, betrayed diplomacy by supporting the genocidal Israeli regime’s launch of an illegal war of aggression on the Iranian nation. “Not content with such malign actions, the United States itself has now also opted for a dangerous military operation and aggression against the people of Iran. “In doing so, the US administration holds sole and full responsibility for the consequences of its actions, including the Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to self-defence under the principles of the United Charter.”

UK invites Britons to complete booking portal for flights out of Israel The UK has invited British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) to register their interest in a flight to help them depart. As the Foreign Office prepares a flight to transport British nationals early next week, the UK is urging all those interested in flying to register their presence now. An FCDO spokesman said: “This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East. “The safety of British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that’s why the UK government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave. “Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British Nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need”.

IRGC labels Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu members of ‘criminal gang’ in warning to West The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has labelled US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu members of a “criminal gang” following last night’s aerial bombardment. In comments reported by Reuters, the IRGC said that US bases in the Middle East are a “point of vulnerability”. It said the US had placed itself directly “at the front line of aggression” by attacking nuclear facilities that Iran claims are peaceful and adamantly claimed that its programme cannot be destroyed by an attack. The statement added the US cannot escape consequences of its airstrikes, and said Iran would not be intimidated by Israel or the US, terming them “criminal gangs ruling the White House and Tel Aviv”. Tehran has also maintained that it reserves “all options” in how it could respond to US-Israeli action. In a warning this morning, Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi 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. “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.”

READ IN FULL: Foreign Sec David Lammy urges Iran to show ‘restraint’ after Donald Trump’s strike Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Tehran to show “restraint” after Donald Trump conducted strikes against Iran last night. In a statement released on social media, David Lammy said: “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. “The US has taken action to alleviate the threat that would pose to the global community. “The UK did not participate in these strikes. We urge Iran to show restraint and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

PICTURED: Iran’s strike reduces Haifa to rubble as 20 injured in Iran’s latest barrage against Israel A first responder walks by an impact site following Iran’s strike on Israel, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Haifa, Israel REUTERS

‘Dangerous war!’ Iran fires 40 missiles at Israel after Donald Trump’s strike Emergency personnel work at an impact site following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, amid the Iran-Israel conflict REUTERS Iran has claimed its latest attack on Israel included 40 missiles and targeted three major sites. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said: “The twentieth wave of Operation True Promise 3 began with the launch of 40 solid and liquid fuel missiles.” Iran’s targets included: Ben Gurion Airport, a biological research centre and a command centre. Images from Israel showed Tel Aviv and Haifa were particularly impacted by the Iranian strikes. Sirens rang out across Israel following the latest onslaught from Tehran.

The ‘unstoppable’ US stealth bombers that dropped 30,000-pound ‘bunker-busting’ bombs in Iran attack Images of the B2 stealth bomber with an inset of its capabilities GETTY/REUTERS Donald Trump “completely obliterated” Iran’s Fordow nuclear site using 12 massive 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, US officials have confirmed. The underground nuclear fuel enrichment facility was targeted by B-2 stealth bombers in what marks the first combat deployment of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. The precision-guided weapons, designed to penetrate deeply buried targets, can reach approximately 200 feet below the surface before detonating. US military officials suggested that Fordow was “taken off the table” following the devastating strike, with Trump hailing the strikes as a “spectacular military success”. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

PICTURED: Scenes in the ‘Situation Room’ last night as America struck Iran PICTURED: Donald Trump holds a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and other cabinet members in the Situation Room at the White House REUTERS

Iran’s nuclear sites MAPPED – Exactly where the US and Israel dropped ‘full payload of bombs’ Three of the five main known facilities of Iran’s nuclear programme were bombed overnight. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were all stuck in the strikes, which Israel said were conducted in “full coordination” with the US. Donald Trump revealed that a “full payload of bombs” was dropped on Fordow, the heavily-fortified enrichment plant hidden in a mountainside which has been vital to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. And now, GB News readers can see just where the bombs fell… READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Britain has been ‘reduced to an irrelevant bystander’ as America takes ‘vital’ action, Suella Braverman blasts Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has issued a scathing verdict this morning on Britain’s response to the Iran-Israel conflict in recent days and weeks. “The US takes vital, urgent action to combat one of the biggest threats to global and national security,” she said. “We should all stand with Israel and the US today – nations fighting to keep us safe. “The UK spends weeks criticising Israel, urges ‘de-escalation’ and ‘calm’, equivocates and puts out stupid videos of the Prime Minister around the world trying to look important. “The truth is that the UK should have been standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and assisting the US but instead has been reduced to an irrelevant bystander on this historic step that will keep us all safer.”

‘Iran is sure to respond’ says top analyst as world braces for new ‘dangerous phase’ Iran “is sure to respond” to the US strikes overnight, Gregory Brew, a senior analyst at the Eurasia Group political risk consultancy firm, has warned. He said the US “has very likely used enough force to significantly damage, if not destroy, the enrichment facility” at Fordow – but “we likely won’t know for quite some time”. “It’s possible we may never know, as that will be a big part of Iran’s response,” he added. Brew continued: “Iran is sure to respond to this attack. To do nothing would be a colossal blow to the regime’s credibility. There will be a short-term response. But the bigger response, the more significant one, is likely to play out on the nuclear file.” Tehran could now move to exit the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, of which it has been signed up to since 1970, he said. “That’s probably the end of nuclear diplomacy for a while. There goes hope for sanctions relief. It also likely means the programme could pursue weaponisation, away from IAEA observation. It won’t be public. We won’t know for sure. “That means the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme could now be slowly entering a much more dangerous phase.”

EU echoes Keir Starmer as Brussels issues statement on Iran bombing “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security,” the EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has said. “I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.”

Iran claims to have moved both staff and uranium from Fordow nuclear site before US strikes Iran has claimed it moved most of its staff and “highly enriched” uranium from the Fordow nuclear site before the American bombing raids. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that the uranium – crucial in nuclear power and weaponry – was shifted to an undisclosed location before the strikes. Staff headcounts were reduced to a minium, the source said. Uranium-235, a highly enriched form of the element, was the isotope used in both the Hiroshima atomic bomb and the Chernobyl nuclear power station.

Keir Starmer was told of American bombing raid on Iran before it happened Keir Starmer was told of the US bombing raids on Iran in advance, it is understood. There is also said to have been no UK involvement in the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Yesterday morning, B2 stealth bombers were believed to have departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri with aerial refuelling support from eight KC-135 Stratotankers, according to open-source flight tracking data.

Iran wreaks ‘significant damage’ on Tel Aviv after launching volley of ‘cluster bombs’ at Israel PICTURED: Emergency personnel work at an impact site in Tel Aviv following a missile attack from Iran REUTERS Iran has wreaked “very significant damage” on buildings in the centre of Tel Aviv, Israeli medical services have said. Sixteen people are confirmed to have been injured in this morning’s ballistic missile strikes on the Jewish state – with ominous reports suggesting the latest round of rockets carried warheads packed with cluster munitions. Cluster bombs release numerous smaller “bomblets” over a wide area once they strike – and pose serious risks to civilians both during and after attacks.

Nigel Farage: ‘Reform UK stands with the USA’ Nigel Farage has also released a statement this morning. He said: “Reform UK stands behind the military actions of the USA overnight. “Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons – the future of Israel depends on it.”

Keir Starmer BACKS Donald Trump’s bombing raid – despite vowing he had ‘no doubt’ President wouldn’t join conflict just five days ago ​Sir Keir Starmer has backed Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran – despite saying he had “no doubt in my mind” the US would not directly join in the conflict just five days earlier. A Downing Street statement this morning reads: “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.”

WATCH: GB News’ Mark White reacts as Donald Trump says US forces have conducted ‘very successful’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

Iran sent a communiqué to President Donald Trump in the days before last night’s strikes on its nuclear facilities threatening to activate sleeper-cell terror inside the United States if it is attacked, sources say.

The message got to Trump through an intermediary at the Group of 7 summit in Canada last week, which Trump attended before departing early June 16 to consider his options amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to sources who include two U.S. officials and a person with knowledge of the threat.

The White House did not respond to multiple requests for comment, and the Iranian Mission to the United Nations declined to comment.

Show more

Foreign Minister Penny Wong tells ABC News the US hasn’t asked for Australian troops, yet Canberra backs the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

“When it comes to nuclear material and the world long agreed it’s not in the interests of collective peace and security for Iran to gain access to a nuclear weapon.”

“It’s obviously a very precarious, risky and dangerous moment the world faces. But … we need to reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

Wong is urging Tehran back to negotiations to prevent further escalation.

— Julia Abbondanza