Iran threatened to activate terror sleeper cells inside the United States if the country attacked, reports suggest.

Sources told NBC News that Iran sent a communiqué to Donald Trump in the days before the US’s strikes, threatening to green-light the terror sleeper cells.

Mr Trump received the message via an intermediary at the G7 summit in Canada last week. He later told reporters he was not “in the mood” to negotiate with Iran.

Sleeper cells are essentially spies or terrorists who operate in the US and remain inactive until they are ordered to act.

It comes as Mr Trump authorised strikes on Iran’s three nuclear bases, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, on Saturday night in a stealth mission he hailed “a spectacular military success”.

The US president had previously vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to American officials.

Israeli officials said they believed Iran’s heavily-fortified nuclear site at Fordow sustained serious damage from the strikes but had not been completely destroyed. A US official told the New York Times it had been taken “off the table”.

On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, claimed Israel was “close” to wiping out Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missiles.

The trace of a projectile is seen before hitting Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Today’s live updates have ended. Find more coverage at APNews.com .

Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, generals and scientists killed 78 people and wounded more than 320 on Friday, Iran’s ambassador told the U.N. Security Council, but he said “the overwhelming majority” of victims were civilians.

The ambassador spoke shortly after Iran retaliated with a barrage of long-range missiles targeting Israel’s commercial capital, Tel Aviv, wounding at least 34 people, Israel’s paramedic service said.

Israel launched the attacks on Iran amid simmering tensions over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. For years, Israel had threatened such a strike and successive American administrations had sought to prevent it, fearing it would ignite a wider conflict across the Middle East and possibly be ineffective at destroying Iran’s dispersed and hardened nuclear program.

As Iranian projectiles and Israeli interceptor rockets left trails of smoke and flame across the night sky, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to let Israel “escape safely from this great crime.”

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

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

The United Nations Security Council met for an emergency session on Sunday afternoon at the organization’s New York City headquarters to address the rising tensions in the Middle East after the U.S. struck Iran’s nuclear facilities. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged members of the council to “act with reason, restraint, and urgency,” stressing that they “cannot – and must not – give up on peace.” Read more Exclusive: Hezbollah says won’t join fight after US attacks Iran

Iran says nuclear sites evacuated before US strikes

Seven options for Iran after US attacks What We Know So Far Strikes “fully obliterated” the sites, Trump says. In a brief White House address, the president called the raids essential to halt Iran’s push for a nuclear weapon. The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported no radiation leaks.

In a brief White House address, the president called the raids essential to halt Iran’s push for a nuclear weapon. The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported no radiation leaks. Iran condemns a “criminal” act. Officials in Tehran said the attack violated international law and endangered regional security.

Officials in Tehran said the attack violated international law and endangered regional security. Israel welcomed U.S. involvement. After two weeks of degrading Iranian air defenses, Israeli leaders called the American strikes decisive.

After two weeks of degrading Iranian air defenses, Israeli leaders called the American strikes decisive. Capitol Hill split. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised the move as “the right call,” while Representative Thomas Massie, also a Republican, called it unconstitutional. Progressive leaders, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, said bypassing Congress is “clearly grounds for impeachment.”

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised the move as “the right call,” while Representative Thomas Massie, also a Republican, called it unconstitutional. Progressive leaders, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, said bypassing Congress is “clearly grounds for impeachment.” More action possible. Trump warned that additional military steps could follow “if peace does not come quickly.” Live updates have ended.

04:47 PM EDT Obama’s Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Defends Iran Strikes Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testifies during a hearing before a House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on Capitol Hill on January 30,… Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testifies during a hearing before a House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on Capitol Hill on January 30, 2024 in Washington, DC. More Alex Wong/Getty Images Barack Obama’s Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta surprised CNN host Wolf Blitzer during an interview Sunday when he said that the United States was left with no other option than to carry out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “I think we have made very clear that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon,” Panetta said. “I think there was an effort to try to negotiate, but I think the bottom line was that Iran was not interested in negotiating and willing to do anything to stop their enrichment and bomb capability.” “And so I don’t think the United States had any alternative but to conduct this type of attack,” Panetta said. Panetta stressed, however, that the problem – as always – remains “what is the end game?” “That is, I hope, something that the President and his national security team have thought about,” Panetta said, adding later, “There are a lot of questions about just exactly what their [Iran’s] capability is going to be.” “The real issue here is whether or not the regime is going to continue,” Panetta said. “And as far as I can see, even though with these attacks, it’s clear that the regime will continue and they will use whatever capabilities they have in order to make sure that they are now going to proceed, I think with their nuclear ambition, that’s a concern.”

04:16 PM EDT UN Leader Says Trump Admin Shifted Middle East on ‘Perilous Turn’ António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security at the United Nations headquarters on June 22, 2025 in New York City. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security at the United Nations headquarters on June 22, 2025 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres during his remarks to an emergency session of the Security Council implored members to “act with reason, restraint, and urgency” after the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities. “The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling,” Guterres said, adding, “We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.” “I urge this Council – and all Member States – to act with reason, restraint, and urgency,” Guterres said later. “We cannot – and must not – give up on peace.” Members of the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency session at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, aiming to address the “threats to international peace and security” as it relates to developments in Iran. Guterres stressed the need to find a “credible, comprehensive, and verifiable solution – one that restores trust – including with full access to inspectors of the IAEA, as the United Nations technical authority in this field.” “The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction,” Guterres said. “And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation. To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail. Civilians must be protected. Safe maritime navigation must be guaranteed. ”

03:44 PM EDT Iranians Speak Out About Uncertainty Following US Attacks People purchase drinks at a partially-shuttered Tehran Market on June 22, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. In the early hours of June 22, the United States dropped a series of bombs on several alleged nuclear… People purchase drinks at a partially-shuttered Tehran Market on June 22, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. In the early hours of June 22, the United States dropped a series of bombs on several alleged nuclear facilities in Iran, joining Israel’s ongoing war with the country. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at Israel and promised retaliation against US interests in the region. More Getty Images “We don’t know what to do anymore.” That was the response from one Iranian civilian following U.S. airstrikes that destroyed three of the country’s major nuclear facilities overnight. Speaking anonymously to Newsweek, the individual described the atmosphere inside Iran as one of fear, paralysis, and exhaustion. The coordinated bombings targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the facilities “obliterated” and warned Iran’s leadership to choose “peace or tragedy.” But for many civilians, the decision has already been made for them—and they are the ones living with the consequences. Multiple Iranians who spoke to Newsweek after the strikes described living in constant fear, their daily routines overshadowed by uncertainty. With internet and communication channels disrupted, many say they feel increasingly cut off from the outside world and from each other. Their emotions range from dread and anger to quiet ambivalence. “Every day we wake up fearing the worst,” one person said. “We don’t know what to expect next.” Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

03:22 PM EDT Israel Unsure Iran Nuke Program ‘Annihilated’ After US Strikes: Official Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, Sunday, June 22, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel’s effort to destroy… Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, Sunday, June 22, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel’s effort to destroy the country’s nuclear program. More associated press During a Sunday morning press conference, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that “many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran’s nuclear program, and none could until President Trump.” The defense secretary then said to the world’s cameras: “We devastated the Iranian nuclear program.” In Israel, though, there’s less certainty about whether Iran’s nuclear development has been smashed to pieces by U.S. strikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities overnight, and whether the country’s nuclear program is permanently out of the game. “Is it fully, fully annihilated? We don’t know yet,” a senior Israeli official told Newsweek. “Nobody knows yet,” added the source, who was granted anonymity to speak freely. “It requires a lot of intelligence work.” Israel and the U.S. both say they are still conducting assessments of the impact of American aircraft, massive “bunker-buster” bombs and submarine-launched cruise missiles on the central Iranian facilities of Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow. Read the full story by Ellie Cook on Newsweek.

02:33 PM EDT Donald Trump Hits Back At Republican Thomas Massie: ‘Not MAGA’ US President Donald Trump walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2025, after traveling to his club in New Jersey. INSET: US… US President Donald Trump walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2025, after traveling to his club in New Jersey. INSET: US Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, arrives to speak to the press outside the US Capitol after the House passed legislation to fund the government through September 30 and avert a shutdown at the end of the week. More Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images // Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump responded to criticism from Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Republican, after the latter announced his intent to pursue a floor vote on his resolution to limit the president’s ability to escalate tensions with Iran. Some prominent MAGA movement members in the days leading up to the U.S. strikes on Iran had urged the president to avoid escalation, exposing a divide in the movement. Trump had downplayed the matter, but following “Operation: Midnight Hammer,” Massie hit the press and criticized the move. Trump responded later on Sunday in a Truth Social post, in which he said: “Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him.” “He is a negative force who almost always Votes “NO,” no matter how good something may be,” Trump wrote. “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.” Later in the lengthy post, which also included Trump’s arguments for executing the strikes, Trump continued to criticize Massie, calling him “weak,” “ineffective,” and “disrespectful of our great military.” “Massie should drop his fake act and start putting America First, but he doesn’t know how to get there — he doesn’t have a clue!” Trump added, saying that MAGA will look to run a “wonderful American patriot against him in the Republican primary,” promising to campaign “really hard” against the sitting congressman.

02:16 PM EDT Netanyahu Knew Iran Strike Plan ‘At Least 24 Hours Before’ – Report Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in the central city of Rehovot on… Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in the central city of Rehovot on June 20, 2025. More Jack Guez/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he had learned of the U.S. plan to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities “at least 24 hours before” its execution, according to The Times of Israel. Netanyahu told the outlet that he does not expect Iran to execute any major escalation – just “more of the same, like what they’ve done this morning.” Iran’s immediate response following the U.S. “Operation Midnight Hammer” was to strike at Israel with a wave of missiles on Sunday morning that Israeli authorities say wounded at least 21 people. Netanyahu added that Israel is willing to end the strikes on Iran, but only once Tehran agreed to dismantle its nuclear program, saying that the onus is on Iran, “not on us,” to end the conflict. “We are happy to wrap it up now, if there’s an agreement at the end, Israel will be content with the result,” Netanyahu said.

12:06 PM EDT ‘Ludicrous’ To Say Iran Strikes Are Not Act of War, Republican Congressman Says U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) leaves a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) leaves a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Republican, pushed back on the Trump administration’s framing of the strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, saying it is “ludicrous” to say they are not an act of war. “The notion that this isn’t an act of war, I find ludicrous,” Massie said during an appearance on CNN. “This is a hot war. There are two nations, Israel and Iran, trading volleys of missiles every night, every day, and we’re a co-belligerent now in this war.” Massie has rapidly emerged as the biggest Republican critic of Trump’s decision to bomb Iran, saying the issue could fracture the Republican party and hand the 2026 midterm elections to the Democrats, forcing a flip in either or both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Massie also criticized President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson for not recalling the House of Representatives from their recess to discuss and approve the action, instead leaning on a “narrow window” to act as an excuse to bypass Congress. “If there was an imminent threat, why not call us back from our recess,” Massie said. “We were on recess last week, and I went to special effort to offer a war powers resolution while everybody was on vacation … if Speaker Johnson thought that America was in danger imminently, he should have brought us all back to Congress, yet he did not.” Massie also revealed 50 co-sponsors on his bipartisan bill aimed at limiting Trump’s wartime powers, which makes him confident he can force a floor vote unless the speaker “pulls some shenanigans.” “I think this was a bad move politically, but it’s also just a bad move legally and constitutionally and policy-wise,” Massie said, adding that Trump “absolutely” broke a campaign promise with this act.

11:33 AM EDT Satellite Images Show ‘Unusual’ Activity at Iran Nuclear Site Before Strikes Satellite imagery captured ahead of U.S. strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites showed “unusual” movement around the entrance to Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility. Pictures taken on Thursday and Friday showed “unusual truck and vehicular activity” close to the entrance of the underground Fordow complex south of Tehran, satellite imagery firm Maxar said late on Saturday. Craters are visible and ash can be seen on the ridge at Fordow on Sunday, after U.S. strikes on the underground facility. Craters are visible and ash can be seen on the ridge at Fordow on Sunday, after U.S. strikes on the underground facility. Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies A total of 16 cargo trucks were spotted on the access road leading up to the Fordow tunnel entrance on Thursday, but most had moved to a spot 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) northwest of the access road by the following day, Maxar said. New trucks and multiple bulldozers had appeared close to the main entrance by Friday, with one truck very close to the main tunnel entrance, the satellite imagery provider said. Read the full article by Ellie Cook on Newsweek.

11:03 AM EDT Iran’s Parliament Votes To Close Straits of Hormuz After US Attacks The Iranian Parliament has voted in support of closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, according to media reports. Any final decision on retaliation, however, will rest with the country’s Supreme National Security Council and leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The parliament vote merely advises him of the option to pursue. “The Parliament has reached the conclusion that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed, but the final decision in this regard lies with the Supreme National Security Council,” Revolutionary Guards Commander Ismail Kowsari, member of the National Security Commission of the Parliament, announced on Sunday, according to Al Arabiya and the Jerusalem Post. Read the full story by Peter Aitken on Newsweek.

10:55 AM EDT Marco Rubio Warns Retaliation Would Be Iran’s ‘Worst Mistake’ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Iran would be making its “worst mistake” if it decides to retaliate against the U.S. following American strikes on key nuclear infrastructure in the Mideast nation. “We can fly in and out of Iran at will,” Rubio told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo during an appearance on her show Sunday Morning Futures. “Went in last night, the president sent our military forces from halfway across the world, went in, conducted this operation, left, not a shot was fired against us. They didn’t know what had happened.” Rubio stressed, as Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did in the hours since the strikes, that the U.S. is not at war with Iran, but added that if Iran attacked the U.S. in any way, Washington has “capabilities they haven’t seen yet.” 🚨 BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns – if Iran retaliates, it’ll be the worse mistake they ever made.

He says we can fly in and out of Iran at will.

👀👀

pic.twitter.com/uAWivx3LIq — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 22, 2025 Rubio said the U.S. would support Iran having civilian nuclear capabilities – meaning the ability to use nuclear power for civilian infrastructure and not the capability of escalating to a nuclear weapon. “We didn’t make that choice – they did, by playing games with Donald Trump. They made a huge mistake,” Rubio said. “President Trump acted last night, and the world today is safer, more stable than it was 24 hours ago.” “A bunch of these countries, putting out statements condemning us, privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done,” Rubio added, saying that “the only people in the world who are unhappy about what happened in Iran last night is the regime in Iran.”

10:33 AM EDT Russia Says Countries Now Ready to Supply Iran With Nuclear Weapons Former Russian President, Deputy Chairman of the Securuty Council Dmitry Medvedev (C) and Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu (R) looks on during the Board of the Prosecutor-General Main Office, March 19, 2025, in… Former Russian President, Deputy Chairman of the Securuty Council Dmitry Medvedev (C) and Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu (R) looks on during the Board of the Prosecutor-General Main Office, March 19, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. More Contributor/Getty Images Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, said Sunday that President Donald Trump “has pushed the US into another war” and that countries are “ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.” “The enrichment of nuclear material—and, now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons—will continue,” Medvedev, a top ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wrote in his Telegram post. “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.” Read the full story by Jason Lemon on Newsweek.

10:16 AM EDT Iran Warns ‘Unprecedented Level of Danger and Chaos’ To Follow U.S. Strikes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hit out at the U.S. following the unprecedented strike on the country’s nuclear facilities, speaking of “dangerous,” and “far-reaching” consequences in a speech on Sunday, Time Magazine reported. Speaking at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Araghchi labeled the Trump administration a “warmongering and lawless administration” that he holds “solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression.” ran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a press conference at the Lutfi Krdar Congress Center on the sideline of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation… ran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a press conference at the Lutfi Krdar Congress Center on the sideline of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul on June 22, 2025. More Ozan Kose/AFP via Getty Images “The U.S. military aggression against the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of a U.N. member state—carried out in collusion with the genocidal Israeli regime—once again laid bare the depth of depravity that governs American foreign policy and revealed the extent of hostility harbored by the U.S. ruling establishment against the peace-seeking and independence-loving people of Iran,” Araghchi said. “Silence in the face of such blatant aggression would plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos,” he added as he called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

09:53 AM EDT ‘America Does Not Seek War’ According To Secretary Of Defense Pete Hegseth

08:53 AM EDT Military Command Hails ‘Flawlessly’ Executed Bomber Mission in Iran U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine spoke to reporters Sunday morning to reveal more details about the bomber mission in Iran that took out three nuclear facilities in an unprecedented strike. “Every American involved in this operation performed flawlessly, and I want to give recognition to our allies in Israel as well,” Hegseth said in in his opening remarks. “This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the President of the United States called.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L), accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine (R), speaks at a news conference at the Pentagon on June 22, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia…. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L), accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine (R), speaks at a news conference at the Pentagon on June 22, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. More Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The operation, known as “Midnight Hammer,” took 25 minutes starting at around 6:40 p.m. ET/2:10 a.m. Iranian time, with seven B2 bombers dropping 14 Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP) bombs on two sites, including the main target, the Fordow nuclear site. A total of 125 U.S. aircraft were involved in the operation over Iran. Caine said that as far as the U.S. is aware, Iran did not fire a single shot as the planes entered or left Iranian airspace, and Iran did not launch any planes to try to intercept. Caine also did not commit to saying that the sites had been completely destroyed as the president did in his remarks on Saturday, instead saying Sunday that “final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction.” Hegseth stressed that the mission “was not and has not been about regime change,” but about ensuring that the U.S. was able to “neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self defense of our troops and our ally, Israel.”

07:51 AM EDT Russia condemns U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday “strongly condemned” U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, labeling them “a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.” In a statement on Telegram, Moscow warned of possible “radiological” fallout and said the dawn strikes signaled “a dangerous escalation” that threatens regional and global security. The ministry argued the attack undercuts the nuclear-non-proliferation regime and the authority of the IAEA, while calling for an immediate halt to what it termed American and Israeli aggression.

07:31 AM EDT What to know about the U.S. bunker buster bombs Newsweek illustration/USAF The U.S. unleashed its powerful bunker buster bombs on Iran’s Fordow uranium-enrichment complex, according to The Associated Press. The deep-penetrating munitions, long viewed as the only realistic way to cripple Fordow’s mountain-buried facilities, which Israel’s week-long offensive had not touched, were used in the overnight strike, a U.S. official confirmed on background to AP ahead of a formal briefing. Read more about the bunker busters on Newsweek.

07:19 AM EDT Here’s the latest on the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities Just joining us? Here are the five biggest developments right now: U.S. makes direct entry into the war B-2 stealth bombers and warships firing Tomahawks struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan enrichment complexes overnight. President Trump says the sites were “completely and fully obliterated.” Iran’s missile barrage on Israel Tehran answered with a wave of missiles at Haifa and Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities said more than 80 people were wounded. IAEA: no radiation spike U.N. inspectors said “no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported” following the attacks on the three nuclear sites. Diplomatic scramble Iran’s U.N. envoy has requested an emergency Security Council session while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after saying the time for diplomacy with Washington had passed. U.S. allies in the West have urged restraint. Markets on edge ahead of Monday open Investors are bracing for a surge in oil prices when markets reopen, possibly above $100 a barrel.

06:50 AM EDT France and Italy urge restraint French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Sunday that France “has learned with concern” of the U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites and stressed that the country “was neither involved in these strikes nor in their planning.” Posting on social media, Barrot added that Paris “urges the parties to show restraint in order to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict.” Reiterating France’s long-standing stance against a nuclear-armed Iran, he noted, “France is convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” and affirmed that “it remains ready to contribute to this in conjunction with its partners.” Earlier, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran’s nuclear facilities “represented a danger for the entire area” but voiced hope the operation might ultimately pave the way for de-escalation and renewed negotiations.

06:41 AM EDT Iranian FM will meet with Putin Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said he will travel to Moscow later today to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to The Associated Press. “We enjoy a strategic partnership and we always consult with each other and coordinate our positions,” he said.

06:28 AM EDT Satellite images show ‘unusual’ activity at Iran nuclear site before strikes Satellite imagery captured by Maxar on June 19 showing cargo trucks close to the underground entrance of the Fordow fuel enrichment facility, prior to U.S. air strikes on the underground complex. Satellite imagery captured by Maxar on June 19 showing cargo trucks close to the underground entrance of the Fordow fuel enrichment facility, prior to U.S. air strikes on the underground complex. Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies Satellite imagery captured ahead of U.S. strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites showed “unusual” movement around the entrance to Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility. Pictures captured on Thursday and Friday showed “unusual truck and vehicular activity” close to the entrance of the underground Fordow complex south of Tehran, satellite imagery giant Maxar said late on Saturday U.S. time. A total of 16 cargo trucks were spotted on the access road leading up to the Fordow tunnel entrance on Thursday, but most of the trucks had relocated to one kilometer (0.6 miles) northwest of the access road by the following day, Maxar said. Read more on Newsweek.

06:06 AM EDT Middle Eastern nations react to U.S. strikes on Iran Other countries in the Middle East have reacted to the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iraq Baghdad condemned the U.S. strikes on Iran, warning they endanger regional peace and stability. Government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said “The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world.” Iraq, which balances ties to both Washington and Tehran and hosts powerful Iranian-aligned militias, noted those groups have so far stayed out of the conflict. Saudi Arabia Riyadh voiced “deep concern” over the airstrikes but stopped short of condemnation. Its foreign ministry said: “The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation.” Earlier, Saudi officials had also criticised Israel’s earlier hits on Iranian facilities. Qatar Doha said it “regrets” rising tensions and urged every side to show self-restraint and “avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.” As a frequent mediator and host of the largest U.S. base in the Gulf, Qatar reiterated its readiness to facilitate dialogue. Oman Muscat condemned the strikes, calling them a threat “to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law and the United Nations charter.” The sultanate, a back-channel mediator between Tehran and Washington, warned the action further undermines regional diplomacy. Lebanon President Joseph Aoun cautioned the bombing could ignite a wider war no country could bear, saying “Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region […] It is unwilling to pay more.” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the stance: “It is increasingly important for us to adhere strictly to the supreme national interest, which is the need to avoid Lebanon being […] drawn into the ongoing regional confrontation in any way.” Leaders urged neutrality as the nation rebuilds from past conflicts and economic crisis, while Hezbollah has yet to respond to Washington’s strikes.

05:57 AM EDT What U.S. strikes on Iran mean for gas prices as oil surges In the past week, Brent Crude oil stocks have already jumped 11 percent since Israel attacked Iran and is expected to continue rising on Monday, according to Emirati newspaper Gulf News, although prices have been fluctuating. Fears that Iran could attack U.S. oil infrastructure in the region, and levy its power over the Straits of Hormuz could “combine to make prices and speculation rise about the security and dependability of supply,” Greg Kennedy, director of the Economic Conflict and Competition Research Group at King’s College London told Newsweek. “Lack of clarity of how long this condition will last will also lead to hoarding or preemptive purchasing by other nations, so there are competition supply fears that will drive up prices,” he added. Reflecting on the knock-on effect this would have on U.S. gas prices, Kennedy said that in the long term, the conflict “will most certainly see energy prices go up at the pumps.” Read more on Newsweek.

05:44 AM EDT MTG calls AOC “pathetic little hypocrite” over Iran response Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has called out Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for the New York Democrat’s criticism of President Donald Trump’s attack on Iran. Greene wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Ocasio-Cortez, who had said Saturday’s attack was “absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment,” was a “pathetic little hypocrite.” “YOU fully supported our military and IC running the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine,” she wrote, adding “You don’t get to play anti-war and moral outrage anymore.” Read more on Newsweek.

05:33 AM EDT Iran’s foreign minister says return to diplomacy unlikely now In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the U.S. strikes overnight have destroyed any possibility of diplomacy with the Americans or Europeans. “Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy,” the post said. “What conclusion would you draw?” In response to British and EU calls for Iran to “return” to the negotiating table, he said, “How can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?” Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy.

This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy.

What conclusion would you draw?

To Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must “return”… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025

05:19 AM EDT Herzog says he didn’t know the U.S. was going to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities Israel’s president has been speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, calling the U.S. attack on Iran a “historic” and “brave” decision. Pressed on whether Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been eliminated, President Isaac Herzog says he doesn’t know the details, “but it’s quite clear to me that the Iranian nuclear program has been hit substantially”. He is also asked if Israel directly requested U.S. President Donald Trump to attack Iran. Herzog says “we decided to leave it to the Americans”, before adding that he didn’t know the U.S. was going to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. “I was woken up when it happened,” he says. On Saturday night, in a brief address, Trump said, “I want to thank and congratulate [Israeli] Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.”

05:01 AM EDT Map shows locations of Iranian nuclear sites that were struck

04:52 AM EDT Senator John Fetterman breaks from other Democrats, praises strikes Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, came to Trump’s side and wrote on X, “As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS. Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.” As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS.

Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.

I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/YZ0pIaunff — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 22, 2025 Many other prominent Democrats have so far condemned the move. Read more on Newsweek.

04:39 AM EDT Key U.S. allies react to the strikes: “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon” We’re getting some reaction now from key U.S. allies in the West, who back diplomacy and warn against escalation. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Tehran to re-enter negotiations, saying regional stability must come first. London, alongside the EU, France and Germany, had tried—and failed—to broker talks in Geneva last week. Starmer warned that Iran’s atomic ambitions are a grave threat to global security. “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters appealed for “all parties to return to talks.” Asked on Sunday whether Wellington backs Trump’s strikes, he replied they had only just happened. Calling the flare-up “the most serious I’ve ever dealt with,” Peters stressed it was “critical further escalation is avoided.” He concluded, “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.” Australia Canberra echoed the diplomatic push after shuttering its Tehran embassy and evacuating staff on Friday. “We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” a government official said in a written statement. “We note the U.S. President’s statement that now is the time for peace.” The statement added: “The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”

04:21 AM EDT Israel closes its airspace following U.S. strikes on Iran Israel’s Airports Authority has halted all inbound and outbound flights, closing the nation’s airspace after the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday. Citing “recent developments,” the agency offered no timeline for when normal traffic might resume.

Here’s what Trump said in his address as broadcasted live by Fox News and transcribed by Sky News:

“A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

“Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise.

“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success.

“Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.

“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.

“For 40 years Iran has been saying death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their speciality.

“We lost over a thousand people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate.

“In particular, so many were killed by their general, Qassem Soleimani.

“I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen.

“It will not continue.

“I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.

“I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.

“Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that so.

“I also want to congratulate the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Rosen Kane, spectacular general and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.

“With all of that being said, this cannot continue.

“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.

“Remember, there are many targets left.

“Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal.

“But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.

“There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There’s never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago.

“Tomorrow, General Kaine, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8am at the Pentagon.

“I want to just thank everybody and in particular, God, I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel, and God bless America.

“Thank you very much. Thank you.”