'Very late to be talking': Trump won't say if US would strike Iran
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 18) declined to answer reporters' questions on whether the US was planning to strike Iran or its nuclear facilities, and said the Iranians had reached out but he feels "it's very late to be talking".
"There's a big difference between now and a week ago," Trump told reporters outside the White House.
"I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump told reporters as he supervised the installation of a new flagpole on the White House South Lawn.
Trump said that Iran had proposed to come for talks at the White House. He did not provide details. He described Iran as totally defenceless, with no air defence whatsoever.
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CNA
43 minutes ago
- CNA
Global leaders react to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
SINGAPORE: Global reactions to the US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday (Jun 22) ranged from firm support by Israel to urgent calls for de-escalation by the United Nations and several other nations. US President Donald Trump declared that the strikes had "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear sites and warned that Tehran must now "make peace or we will go after" other targets in Iran. Here is how the international community responded: ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU "Congratulations, President Trump. 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." Netanyahu also said that Iran's nuclear programme threatened the country's "very existence and endangered world peace". UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. 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," Guterres said. He called on member states to de-escalate and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. "At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace." "Venezuela Condemns US Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities. "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes." MEXICO FOREIGN MINISTRY "The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country's pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region. The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority." CUBA PRESIDENT MIGUEL DIAZ-CANEL "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." There were also reactions from Republican and Democratic members of the US Congress to the US bombings of the Iranian nuclear facilities. The following are statements from key lawmakers: US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican "The president gave Iran's leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement." "The president's decisive action prevents the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants 'Death to America,' from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet." Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republican "I stand with President Trump." Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, Republican "This war is Israel's war, not our war, but Israel is one of our strongest allies and is disarming Iran for the good of the world." Risch added: "This is not the start of a forever war. There will not be American boots on the ground in Iran." Thomas Massie, Kentucky Representative, Republican "This is not constitutional," Thomas Massie said on social media. He was referring to the power of Congress to declare war on foreign countries. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries "President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East." "Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action," Jeffries said. "The president's disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorisation is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. "He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment." Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan "President Trump sending US troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters and alternatives: How US strikes Iran's nuclear sites
The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (S$2.7 billion) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. PHOTO: REUTERS US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters and alternatives: How US strikes Iran's nuclear sites WASHINGTON - The US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were involved in strikes on Iran's nuclear sites on June 21 . Three Iranian nuclear sites were struck in a 'very successful attack', President Donald Trump said on June 21 , adding that the crown jewel of Tehran's nuclear programme, Fordow, is gone. The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms, capable of entering sophisticated air defences and delivering precision strikes against hardened targets such as Iran's buried network of nuclear research facilities. B-2 spirit specifications: The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (S$2.7 billion ) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. Made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, began its production run in the late 1980s but was curbed by the fall of the Soviet Union. Only 21 were made after the Pentagon's planned acquisition programme was truncated. The bomber's range of over 11,112km without refueling enables global strike capabilities from continental US bases. With aerial refuelling, the B-2 can reach virtually any target worldwide, as demonstrated in missions from Missouri to Afghanistan and Libya and now Iran. Its payload capacity of more than 18,144 kg allows the aircraft to carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber's internal weapons bays are specifically designed to maintain stealth characteristics while accommodating large ordnance loads which could include two GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator), a 13,607kg precision-guided 'bunker buster' bomb. Reports said six bunker buster bombs were used on Iran's Fordow research site. The B-2's two-pilot crew configuration reduces personnel requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems. The B-2's stealth technology incorporates radar-absorbing materials and angular design features that minimise detection by enemy air defence systems. Its radar cross-section is reportedly comparable to that of a small bird, making it nearly invisible to conventional radar. Massive ordnance penetrator (MOP): The 13,607kg MOP represents the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, specifically engineered to defeat hardened underground bunkers. Its massive size requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but provides unmatched bunker-penetration capability. The weapon's 6.25m length and GPS-guided precision targeting system enable accurate strikes against specific underground facilities. Its penetration capability of over 61m through hardened concrete makes it effective against the world's most protected underground installations. Conventional payloads: Joint Direct Attack Munitions provide the B-2 with precision conventional strike capability against fixed targets. These GPS-guided weapons can be deployed in large numbers, with the bomber capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets with high accuracy. Joint Standoff Weapons extend the aircraft's engagement range while maintaining stealth characteristics during approach. These glide bombs allow the B-2 to strike targets from outside heavily defended airspace perimeters. Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles offer long-range precision strike capability with their own stealth features. The extended-range JASSM-ER variant provides strike options against targets over 805km away. Nuclear payload capabilities: The B-2 Spirit serves as a key component of America's nuclear triad, capable of delivering strategic nuclear weapons with stealth and precision. The aircraft can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
an hour ago
- AsiaOne
Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'obliterated' by airstrikes, World News
WASHINGTON — US forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a "very successful attack," President Donald Trump said on Saturday (June 21), adding that Tehran's nuclear programme had been obliterated. After days of deliberation and long before his self-imposed two-week deadline, Trump's decision to join Israel's military campaign against its major rival Iran represents a major escalation of the conflict. "The strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said in a televised Oval Office address. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." In a speech that lasted just over three minutes, Trump said Iran's future held "either peace or tragedy," and that there were many other targets that could be hit by the US military. "If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." The US reached out to Iran diplomatically on Saturday to say the strikes are all the US plans and it does not aim for regime change, CBS News reported. Trump said US forces struck Iran's three principal nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. He told Fox News six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites. US B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes, a US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow," Trump posted. "Fordow is gone." "IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR," he added. [[nid:719350]] Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of the B-2 bombers, which can be equipped to carry massive bombs that experts say would be needed to strike Fordow, which is buried under a mountain south of Tehran. An Iranian official, cited by Tasnim news agency, confirmed that part of the Fordow site was attacked by "enemy airstrikes". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on his "bold decision" which he said will change history. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapons," Netanyahu said. Diplomacy unsuccessful The strikes came as Israel and Iran have been engaged in more than a week of aerial combat that has resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries. Israel launched the attacks on Iran saying that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. Diplomatic efforts by Western nations to stop the hostilities have been unsuccessful. In recent days, Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have argued that Trump must receive permission from the US Congress before committing the US military to any combat against Iran. Republican Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi applauded the operation but cautioned that the US now faced "very serious choices ahead". Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican, said that despite the heavy US bombings over Iran, "This war is Israel's war, not our war." He added, "There will not be American boots on the ground in Iran." One Republican lawmaker, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, simply said, "This is not constitutional." Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said the US public "is overwhelmingly opposed to the US waging war on Iran" and accused Trump of displaying "horrible judgement". Israel launched attacks on June 13, saying Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons, which it neither confirms nor denies. At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its attacks, Iranian state-run Nour News said, citing the health ministry. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed by Iranian missile attacks, according to local authorities, in the worst conflict between the longtime enemies. More than 450 Iranian missiles have been fired towards Israel, according to the Israeli prime minister's office. Israeli officials said 1,272 people have been injured since the beginning of the hostilities, with 14 in serious condition. ALSO READ: Trump says US forces bombed Iran nuclear sites; says 'Fordow is gone'
