The world is reacting after President Donald Trump authorized U.S. strikes on three three key Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israel in its conflict with Iran. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump said in an address to the nation on Saturday night. “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.” Iran has since responded with a grave new warning, threatening “everlasting consequences” and calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

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Read More: Iran Delivers Furious Warning, Speaks of ‘Unprecedented Level of Danger and Chaos’ After ‘Heinous’ U.S. Strikes As the world awaits to see what Iran’s next step will be, global leaders are reacting to the news of the strikes. European Commission European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media, saying that “the negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis.” Von der Leyen maintained that “Iran must never acquire the bomb,” and said the Middle Eastern country should now “engage in a credible diplomatic solution.” United Nations Secretary General of the United Nations (U.N.) António Guterres shared a strong statement on social media, stating that he was “gravely alarmed” by the strikes. He called for de-escalation and shared concerns that the conflict could cause a “spiral of chaos.” “This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge—and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Guterres said. “I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the U.N. Charter and other rules of international law.

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He continued by saying there is “no military solution,” and that he believes the only way forward is “diplomacy.” Argentina Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a right-wing ally of Trump’s in Latin America, has yet to comment specifically on the U.S. strikes, but he re-posted a message in the early hours of the morning on June 22. “Today is a great day for Western civilization,” read the post, authored by Argentine billionaire and businessman Marcos Galperin. Australia The Australian government, led by Anthony Albanese, has called for de-escalation but its statement, issued by a spokesperson, did not reveal much of whether or not the government supported the U.S. strikes. “We note the U.S. President’s statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.” Chile Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them a violation of international law. He went on to “demand peace”

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“We will defend respect for international humanitarian law at all times,” he said. “Having power does not authorize you to use it in violation of the rules we have established as humanity. Even if you are the United States.” China China “strongly condemns” the U.S. strikes, according to state media. “The actions of the United States seriously violated the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East,” a spokesperson said. “China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation.” France The French government released a statement clarifying that France was not involved in the attacks. The European country reiterated “its firm opposition to Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons,” but also urged both parties to “to exercise restraint.”

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“France is convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Treaty of Non-Proliferation. We remain ready to contribute to this in conjunction with our partners,” the statement read. Israel During Trump’s address to the U.S., he thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the two of them worked as a team on the Iran strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin praised President Trump for conducting the strikes in a video address. “President Trump and I often say peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace,” he said. “And tonight President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog also thanked Trump, calling the evening a “decisive moment between the axis of terror and evil and the axis of hope.” “This brave step serves the security and safety of the entire free world. I hope it will lead to a better future for the Middle East—and help advance the urgent release of our hostages held in captivity in Gaza,” he said.

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Iran Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of breaching international law and warned that the strikes will have “everlasting consequences.” “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the U.N. Charter, international law and the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said. Russia Russia’s Foreign Ministry shared a statement on Telegram condemning the airstrikes and calling them “a dangerous escalation… fraught with further undermining of regional and global security.” The governmental body called the strikes “a gross violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and U.N. Security Council resolutions” and called for an “end to aggression and for increased efforts to create conditions for returning the situation to a political and diplomatic track.”

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Saudi Arabia According to the Saudi Press Agency, the country has expressed “deep concern” over the U.S. strikes and see them as a “violation” of the sovereignty of Iran. “[The Kingdom] underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,” read a statement attributed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom also calls upon the international community to intensify its efforts during this highly sensitive period to reach a political resolution that would bring an end to the crisis and open a new chapter for achieving security and stability in the region.” Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that he is mourning the civilian lives lost amid the conflict. He highlighted an “urgent need for restraint and de-escalation, for diplomacy and dialogue.” “Iran must never have access to nuclear weapons, but stability in the region can only be achieved at the negotiating table, with full respect for international law,” Sánchez said. “We need a diplomatic solution that establishes a comprehensive framework of peace and security for all.”

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United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Iran to “return to the negotiating table” after the U.S. strikes and referred to Iran’s nuclear programme as a “grave threat to international security.”

“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,” Starmer said.

World reacts to U.S. strikes on Iran with alarm, caution — and some praise

toggle caption AP/Planet Labs PBC

As the world reacted to news of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, international officials largely responded with alarm and calls for restraint — though some expressed praise.

Across the Middle East, reactions ranged from concern to condemnation. The Saudi government said it was following events “with great concern,” and called for urgent diplomacy.

The governments of Iraq and Qatar both warned the strikes risked destabilizing an already volatile region. Pakistan also issued a statement condemning the strike and warning of “severely damaging implications” for the broader region.

Among Iran’s allies and regional proxies, the reaction was more forceful. Yemen’s Houthi movement described the strikes as a “cowardly” U.S. act done in support of “the Zionist entity.” The group vowed continued resistance, saying the attack would only strengthen Iran’s commitment to its regional alliances.

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Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which led the Oct. 7, 2023 deadly assault against Israel –— and which has received arms and support from Iran — said it condemned the “blatant U.S. aggression” against Iran as a “direct threat to international peace and security.”

Applause in Israel

In Israel, the strikes were hailed as a long overdue move to eliminate what leaders described as an existential threat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump in a pre-recorded video message posted early Sunday and said the operation was carried out “in full coordination” with U.S. forces.

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called the action “a bold decision for the United States, for Israel, for all of humanity.”

Members of Israel’s opposition also backed the move by the U.S. Yair Lapid, head of the opposition in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, dismissed critics of the strike as “useful idiots” who fail to see through the “cynicism” of regimes like Iran’s. “Israel, the Middle East and the world are now safer,” Lapid wrote on X.

Measured response in Europe

European reaction has so far been restrained, with most governments taking a cautious approach in their response.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to offer measured but conditional support for the strike.

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“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Starmer said in a post on X, calling the U.S. action an effort to “alleviate that threat.”

At the same time, he urged a return to diplomacy. “The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.”

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, said in a post on X Sunday that his country learned about the U.S. strikes “with concern,” emphasizing that France was not involved.

He said France “urges the parties to show restraint in order to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict.”

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to “immediately begin negotiations” with Israel and the United States.

Other global reactions – U.N and Russia

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the use of force, calling the U.S. strikes “a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge.”

Guterres warned of “catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” and urged all parties to de-escalate.

The International Atomic Energy Agency — the UN’s nuclear watchdog, which advocates for nuclear energy and opposes nuclear weaponry — said it would hold an emergency meeting on Monday “in light of the urgent situation in Iran”. It confirmed there was no detectable radiation and said it would provide further assessments.

Russia said Sunday that it “strongly condemned” the United States’ bombings of nuclear sites in Iran, calling the attacks “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law”.

“It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security,” the Russian foreign ministry added in a statement.

The Trump Administration’s view

President Trump framed the decision to join Israel’s offensive on Iran as a military and diplomatic success.

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“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday.

In later remarks from the White House, Trump said the objective of the strikes was the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity” and said Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities had 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,” he warned.

Several close U.S. allies urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear program. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.

U.S. President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israel’s war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days. Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.

While the amount of damage remained unclear, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the U.S. had “crossed a very big red line,” the time for diplomacy was over and Iran had the right to defend itself.

Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at U.S. targets scattered across the Gulf region.

Here is a look at reactions from governments and officials around the world.

United Nations

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the United States.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement on the social media platform X. “I call on Member States to de-escalate.”

“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East as he called for all sides to negotiate a diplomatic end to the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region.

The U.K., along with the European Union, France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to broker a diplomatic solution in Geneva last week with Iran.

Starmer said Iran’s nuclear program posed 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.

Russia

Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, said several countries were prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons.

He didn’t specify which countries, but said the U.S. attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemned” the airstrikes and called them a “a gross violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and U.N. Security Council resolutions.”

Iraq

The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. strikes, saying the military escalation created a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East. It said it poses serious risks to regional stability and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

“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,” government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in the statement.

Egypt

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned of “grave repercussions” for expanding the Middle East conflict and urged a return to negotiations.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, which previously condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders, expressed “deep concern” about the U.S. airstrikes, but stopped short of condemning them.

“The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Qatar

Qatar, which is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, said it “regrets” escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war.

Its Foreign Ministry in a statement urged all parties to show restraint and “avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.”

Qatar has served as a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war.

Hamas and the Houthis

Both the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas condemned the U.S. strikes.

The Houthi political bureau in a statement called on Muslim nations to join “the Jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance.”

Hamas and the Houthis are part of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance, a collection of pro-Iranian proxies stretching from Yemen to Lebanon that for years gave the Islamic Republic considerable power across the region.

Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the U.S. bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear and called for negotiations.

“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,” Aoun said in a statement on X. “It is unwilling to pay more.”

Pakistan

Pakistan blasted the U.S. strikes as a “deeply disturbing” escalation just days after it nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic intervention with the India-Pakistan crisis.

“These attacks violate all norms of international law,” the government said in a statement. “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the U.N. Charter.”

China

China condemned U.S. strikes on Iran, calling them a serious violation of international law that further inflamed tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all parties — especially Israel — to implement a cease-fire and begin dialogue.

“China is willing to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East,” the ministry said.

European Union

The European Union’s top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.

Italy

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran’s nuclear facilities “represented a danger for the entire area” but hoped the action could lead to de-escalation in the conflict and negotiations.

European Council

President Antonio Costa said he was “deeply alarmed” by the bombings and called on all parties to “show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety.”

“Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” Costa added. “The EU will continue engaging with the parties and our partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table.”

Netherlands

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country is hosting a summit of NATO leaders including Trump on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the government’s national security council would meet later to discuss the issue.

He said said the U.S. attacks amounted to “a further escalation of a worrying situation in the Middle East.”

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday that it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.

Ishiba, asked if he supports the U.S. attacks on Iran, declined to comment.

The Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s square, calling for international diplomacy to “silence the weapons.”

After an open reference to the “alarming” situation in Iran, the first American pontiff stressed that “today more than ever, humanity cries out and invokes peace and it is a cry that demands reason and must not be stifled.”

Pope Leo urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”

Sir Keir Starmer has said stability in the Middle East is “a priority” following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as the world reacted to the attack.

The prime minister also called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” to “reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis”.

He later told Sky News’ political editor, Beth Rigby, that his focus was on “de-escalating”, as there was a “risk of escalation” to the Middle East, and beyond.

The US struck three sites in Iran early on Sunday morning, with Donald Trump boasting the country’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” in an address to the nation from the White House. He warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates.

Follow latest: Iran considering ‘all options’ after US strikes

In a statement, Sir Keir said: “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.”

He said the UK was not involved in the attack but was informed about them in advance.

Later, speaking to Rigby, who was interviewing the prime minister on behalf of all broadcasters, he said: “That’s a risk to the region.

“It’s a risk beyond the region, and that’s why all our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear programme.”

The prime minister will chair a meeting of the government’s COBRA crisis committee on Sunday afternoon.

Read more:

What we know so far about US strikes

What happens next is largely in Iran’s control

Netanyahu praises Trump

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr Trump for the strikes, saying: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.

“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

UN secretary-general ‘gravely alarmed’ by US attack

But UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed by the use of force” by the US against Iran.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to step back and return to the negotiating table. “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” she said in a post on X.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” she said, adding that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.

How the world reacted to the strikes

World leaders reacted to the strikes with calls for diplomacy and de-escalation, with some fearing they could push the region towards a wider conflict.

Russia’s former president and current deputy chair of its security council, Dmitry Medvedev, said on the Telegram messaging app: “Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the US.”

China strongly condemned the attack, with its foreign ministry saying the move seriously violates the UN charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East. It urged the parties involved to cease attacks as soon as possible and begin negotiations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to enter immediate talks with the US and Israel to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, a government spokesperson said.

France urged all sides to show restraint, with its foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying Paris is “convinced that a lasting resolution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”.

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said after the attack that his country’s government hopes “a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table”.

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on X: “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”

Venezuela’s foreign minister Yvan Gil said his country’s government “condemns US military aggression” and “demands an immediate cessation of hostilities”.

NATO member Turkey said the strikes raised the risk of a regional conflict spreading globally, with the foreign ministry saying the spread of the conflict into a wider global war must not be allowed.

The Iraqi government condemned the strikes, saying they create a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern” but stopped short of condemning the attack.

Both Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen – part of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance – condemned the strikes, with the Houthis vowing to support Iran in its fight against “the Zionist and American aggression”.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his country needs to stay away from any possible regional spillover from the conflict.

Qatar said it “regrets” the escalating tensions and its foreign ministry urged all parties to show restraint and “avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate”.

The United Arab Emirates called for an immediate halt to the escalation to “avoid serious repercussions” in the region, with its foreign ministry warning they could lead the region to “new levels of instability”.

Oman condemned the strikes, with a spokesperson for its foreign ministry warning they threaten “to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law and the United Nations charter”.

Pakistan condemned the strikes as a “deeply disturbing” escalation days after it nominated Mr Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic intervention in the India-Pakistan crisis.

Pope Leo appealed for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, calling for international diplomacy to “silence the weapons”. Referring to the “alarming” situation in Iran, he urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss”.

Maryam Rajavi, the head of Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran, said from Paris: “Now [Supreme Leader] Khamenei must go. The Iranian people welcome the end of the war and seek peace and freedom.

“Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, in addition to costing countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least $2trn (£1.5trn) – and now, it has all gone up in smoke.”

(c) Sky News 2025: ‘Stability in Middle East is priority,’ says Starmer – as world reacts to strikes

The Iranian Parliament has edged closer to blocking the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route as Tehran looks set to ignore Donald Trump’s warning.

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.

Speaking after the US launched its strikes against Iran, Trump hailed Operation Midnight Hammer 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.”

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…

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