‘Final decision': How Trump's Operation Midnight Hammer unfolded
Sky News host Sharri Markson unpacks how the United States' Operation Midnight Hammer unfolded.
'Trump was on Marine One, flying over New Jersey when he took a call from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, he said it was time for a final decision on the strikes,' Ms Markson said.
'Once the president gave Hegseth the go ahead he then returned to Washington and called his closest advisers to the White House situation room.'
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Israel hits Evin jail, strikes on Tehran 'biggest yet'
Israel targeted Evin prison in Tehran, one of the most potent symbols of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called the most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital, a day after the United States joined the war by blasting nuclear sites. Iranon Monday repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States. But it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 13,600 kg bunker-busters on its underground nuclear sites, while US President Donald Trump openly mused about overthrowing the Iranian government. Oil prices barely budged on the first trading day after the US joined the war, suggesting traders doubted Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf. The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison had been hit. It said part of the building was damaged but the situation was under control. A video posted by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on X showed an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to Evin prison in northern Tehran and the accompanying words: "Viva la libertad!" - Spanish for 'Long live liberty.' Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made clear that Israel was no longer limiting its attacks to its initial stated targets such as Iran's nuclear program and missiles, and would go after the Tehran government's ability to maintain power. "The IDF is currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," he said in a statement. Since Trump joined Israel's campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate. But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at US bases or by targeting the 20 per cent of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English in a recorded video statement. Trump's administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington's principal foes in the Middle East since Iran's 1979 revolution. "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" he wrote. Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the US attack had severely damaged the site of Iran's Fordo nuclear plant, built inside a mountain. Trump called the strike a "Bullseye!!!" Israel's air strikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran's top commanders. But Iran's ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran's most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's most powerful client ruler, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, fell soon after. Iran's most effective threat to hurt the West would be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf, but oil prices have not shot up to crisis levels. Iranian MPs have discussed shutting the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, though no decision has been taken. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down the threat. "It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that," he said. Israel targeted Evin prison in Tehran, one of the most potent symbols of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called the most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital, a day after the United States joined the war by blasting nuclear sites. Iranon Monday repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States. But it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 13,600 kg bunker-busters on its underground nuclear sites, while US President Donald Trump openly mused about overthrowing the Iranian government. Oil prices barely budged on the first trading day after the US joined the war, suggesting traders doubted Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf. The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison had been hit. It said part of the building was damaged but the situation was under control. A video posted by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on X showed an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to Evin prison in northern Tehran and the accompanying words: "Viva la libertad!" - Spanish for 'Long live liberty.' Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made clear that Israel was no longer limiting its attacks to its initial stated targets such as Iran's nuclear program and missiles, and would go after the Tehran government's ability to maintain power. "The IDF is currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," he said in a statement. Since Trump joined Israel's campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate. But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at US bases or by targeting the 20 per cent of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English in a recorded video statement. Trump's administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington's principal foes in the Middle East since Iran's 1979 revolution. "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" he wrote. Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the US attack had severely damaged the site of Iran's Fordo nuclear plant, built inside a mountain. Trump called the strike a "Bullseye!!!" Israel's air strikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran's top commanders. But Iran's ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran's most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's most powerful client ruler, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, fell soon after. Iran's most effective threat to hurt the West would be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf, but oil prices have not shot up to crisis levels. Iranian MPs have discussed shutting the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, though no decision has been taken. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down the threat. "It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that," he said. Israel targeted Evin prison in Tehran, one of the most potent symbols of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called the most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital, a day after the United States joined the war by blasting nuclear sites. Iranon Monday repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States. But it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 13,600 kg bunker-busters on its underground nuclear sites, while US President Donald Trump openly mused about overthrowing the Iranian government. Oil prices barely budged on the first trading day after the US joined the war, suggesting traders doubted Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf. The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison had been hit. It said part of the building was damaged but the situation was under control. A video posted by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on X showed an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to Evin prison in northern Tehran and the accompanying words: "Viva la libertad!" - Spanish for 'Long live liberty.' Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made clear that Israel was no longer limiting its attacks to its initial stated targets such as Iran's nuclear program and missiles, and would go after the Tehran government's ability to maintain power. "The IDF is currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," he said in a statement. Since Trump joined Israel's campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate. But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at US bases or by targeting the 20 per cent of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English in a recorded video statement. Trump's administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington's principal foes in the Middle East since Iran's 1979 revolution. "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" he wrote. Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the US attack had severely damaged the site of Iran's Fordo nuclear plant, built inside a mountain. Trump called the strike a "Bullseye!!!" Israel's air strikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran's top commanders. But Iran's ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran's most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's most powerful client ruler, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, fell soon after. Iran's most effective threat to hurt the West would be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf, but oil prices have not shot up to crisis levels. Iranian MPs have discussed shutting the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, though no decision has been taken. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down the threat. "It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that," he said. Israel targeted Evin prison in Tehran, one of the most potent symbols of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called the most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital, a day after the United States joined the war by blasting nuclear sites. Iranon Monday repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States. But it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 13,600 kg bunker-busters on its underground nuclear sites, while US President Donald Trump openly mused about overthrowing the Iranian government. Oil prices barely budged on the first trading day after the US joined the war, suggesting traders doubted Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf. The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison had been hit. It said part of the building was damaged but the situation was under control. A video posted by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on X showed an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to Evin prison in northern Tehran and the accompanying words: "Viva la libertad!" - Spanish for 'Long live liberty.' Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made clear that Israel was no longer limiting its attacks to its initial stated targets such as Iran's nuclear program and missiles, and would go after the Tehran government's ability to maintain power. "The IDF is currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," he said in a statement. Since Trump joined Israel's campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate. But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at US bases or by targeting the 20 per cent of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English in a recorded video statement. Trump's administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington's principal foes in the Middle East since Iran's 1979 revolution. "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" he wrote. Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the US attack had severely damaged the site of Iran's Fordo nuclear plant, built inside a mountain. Trump called the strike a "Bullseye!!!" Israel's air strikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran's top commanders. But Iran's ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran's most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's most powerful client ruler, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, fell soon after. Iran's most effective threat to hurt the West would be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf, but oil prices have not shot up to crisis levels. Iranian MPs have discussed shutting the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, though no decision has been taken. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down the threat. "It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that," he said.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Qatar shuts down airspace amid Israel-Iran crisis
Qatar says it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry says. The notice posted on the X platform said the move is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites. Qatar hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Qatar emailed US citizens in the country on Monday recommending that they shelter in place until further notice, triggering a slew of messages from various Doha-based institutions to employees and students. The United Kingdom government later issued a warning recommending the same for UK citizens in Qatar. The US and UK messages noted that the recommendation was "out of an abundance of caution" and offered no further information. Two US officials separately told Reuters that Iran could carry out attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East soon, with one source saying it could happen in the next day or two. Commenting on the message, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement that the security situation in the country remained stable, adding that the embassy's advisory did not suggest any specific threat. Al-Ansari said Qatar was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. There was confusion among residents in Qatar over how to react to the mixed messages coming from the Qatari and embassy authorities on Monday afternoon. The Qatar campuses of US universities offered differing advice to their staff and students, with Texas A&M University saying an evacuation of their building had been ordered, Northwestern University requesting that people go home and Georgetown University telling people they could go home if they wished. Israel struck the most notorious jail for political prisoners in Tehran on Monday in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued an apparent threat to retaliate after US President Donald Trump approved attacks on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war but we will be the ones to end it," Zolfaqari said on Monday in an English-language video statement. Iranian authorities have repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States but it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's underground nuclear sites. Trump's administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. The US administration says it is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would have Iran forgo any reprisal. with AP and PA Qatar says it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry says. The notice posted on the X platform said the move is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites. Qatar hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Qatar emailed US citizens in the country on Monday recommending that they shelter in place until further notice, triggering a slew of messages from various Doha-based institutions to employees and students. The United Kingdom government later issued a warning recommending the same for UK citizens in Qatar. The US and UK messages noted that the recommendation was "out of an abundance of caution" and offered no further information. Two US officials separately told Reuters that Iran could carry out attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East soon, with one source saying it could happen in the next day or two. Commenting on the message, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement that the security situation in the country remained stable, adding that the embassy's advisory did not suggest any specific threat. Al-Ansari said Qatar was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. There was confusion among residents in Qatar over how to react to the mixed messages coming from the Qatari and embassy authorities on Monday afternoon. The Qatar campuses of US universities offered differing advice to their staff and students, with Texas A&M University saying an evacuation of their building had been ordered, Northwestern University requesting that people go home and Georgetown University telling people they could go home if they wished. Israel struck the most notorious jail for political prisoners in Tehran on Monday in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued an apparent threat to retaliate after US President Donald Trump approved attacks on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war but we will be the ones to end it," Zolfaqari said on Monday in an English-language video statement. Iranian authorities have repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States but it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's underground nuclear sites. Trump's administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. The US administration says it is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would have Iran forgo any reprisal. with AP and PA Qatar says it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry says. The notice posted on the X platform said the move is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites. Qatar hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Qatar emailed US citizens in the country on Monday recommending that they shelter in place until further notice, triggering a slew of messages from various Doha-based institutions to employees and students. The United Kingdom government later issued a warning recommending the same for UK citizens in Qatar. The US and UK messages noted that the recommendation was "out of an abundance of caution" and offered no further information. Two US officials separately told Reuters that Iran could carry out attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East soon, with one source saying it could happen in the next day or two. Commenting on the message, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement that the security situation in the country remained stable, adding that the embassy's advisory did not suggest any specific threat. Al-Ansari said Qatar was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. There was confusion among residents in Qatar over how to react to the mixed messages coming from the Qatari and embassy authorities on Monday afternoon. The Qatar campuses of US universities offered differing advice to their staff and students, with Texas A&M University saying an evacuation of their building had been ordered, Northwestern University requesting that people go home and Georgetown University telling people they could go home if they wished. Israel struck the most notorious jail for political prisoners in Tehran on Monday in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued an apparent threat to retaliate after US President Donald Trump approved attacks on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war but we will be the ones to end it," Zolfaqari said on Monday in an English-language video statement. Iranian authorities have repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States but it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's underground nuclear sites. Trump's administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. The US administration says it is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would have Iran forgo any reprisal. with AP and PA Qatar says it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry says. The notice posted on the X platform said the move is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites. Qatar hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Qatar emailed US citizens in the country on Monday recommending that they shelter in place until further notice, triggering a slew of messages from various Doha-based institutions to employees and students. The United Kingdom government later issued a warning recommending the same for UK citizens in Qatar. The US and UK messages noted that the recommendation was "out of an abundance of caution" and offered no further information. Two US officials separately told Reuters that Iran could carry out attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East soon, with one source saying it could happen in the next day or two. Commenting on the message, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement that the security situation in the country remained stable, adding that the embassy's advisory did not suggest any specific threat. Al-Ansari said Qatar was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. There was confusion among residents in Qatar over how to react to the mixed messages coming from the Qatari and embassy authorities on Monday afternoon. The Qatar campuses of US universities offered differing advice to their staff and students, with Texas A&M University saying an evacuation of their building had been ordered, Northwestern University requesting that people go home and Georgetown University telling people they could go home if they wished. Israel struck the most notorious jail for political prisoners in Tehran on Monday in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued an apparent threat to retaliate after US President Donald Trump approved attacks on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war but we will be the ones to end it," Zolfaqari said on Monday in an English-language video statement. Iranian authorities have repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States but it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's underground nuclear sites. Trump's administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. The US administration says it is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would have Iran forgo any reprisal. with AP and PA
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
Qatar shuts down airspace amid Israel-Iran crisis
Qatar says it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry says. The notice posted on the X platform said the move is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites. Qatar hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, which serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Qatar emailed US citizens in the country on Monday recommending that they shelter in place until further notice, triggering a slew of messages from various Doha-based institutions to employees and students. The United Kingdom government later issued a warning recommending the same for UK citizens in Qatar. The US and UK messages noted that the recommendation was "out of an abundance of caution" and offered no further information. Two US officials separately told Reuters that Iran could carry out attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East soon, with one source saying it could happen in the next day or two. Commenting on the message, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement that the security situation in the country remained stable, adding that the embassy's advisory did not suggest any specific threat. Al-Ansari said Qatar was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. There was confusion among residents in Qatar over how to react to the mixed messages coming from the Qatari and embassy authorities on Monday afternoon. The Qatar campuses of US universities offered differing advice to their staff and students, with Texas A&M University saying an evacuation of their building had been ordered, Northwestern University requesting that people go home and Georgetown University telling people they could go home if they wished. Israel struck the most notorious jail for political prisoners in Tehran on Monday in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued an apparent threat to retaliate after US President Donald Trump approved attacks on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war but we will be the ones to end it," Zolfaqari said on Monday in an English-language video statement. Iranian authorities have repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States but it had yet to do so in a meaningful way more than 24 hours after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's underground nuclear sites. Trump's administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear program, not to open a wider war. The US administration says it is still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would have Iran forgo any reprisal. with AP and PA
