America hits Iran's nuclear sites
Just before 1 a.m GMT on Sunday morning, Donald Trump announced that the United States had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan sites. It followed a tense 72 hours in which senior White House advisers became increasingly convinced that diplomatic channels had been exhausted, with military action the only available recourse to eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. Following the attack, Trump declared:
We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
It comes after Trump announced on Thursday that he would decide on whether to strike within two weeks, citing a 'substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future.' His Truth Social post emphasises both American military prowess and the need for peace – a nod to the two horses that he has been trying to ride.
Trump's 'MAGA' base is heavily split on Iranian intervention. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted last weekend found that 53 per cent of voters who backed Trump in the 2024 presidential election do not want the country to join in Israel's strikes. Influential conservatives like commentator Tucker Carlson and ex-aide Steve Bannon have both urged restraint too.
The attack comes on the ninth night of the Israel-Iran war. Reports by Reuters and Axios suggest that the U.S used B2 bombers to launch the aerial assault and that senior Israeli officials were given prior notice too. More details will emerge in the coming days: Tehran previously pledged retaliation and warned that American engagement would prove 'very, very dangerous for everyone.'
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