Iran threatens ‘self-defence’ after US bombs three nuclear sites

SMH:

Iran threatens ‘self-defence’ after US bombs three nuclear sites

Iran has threatened to use all force needed to defend itself after US President Donald Trump ordered American aircraft to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites in what he called a “spectacular military success” and historic moment for the world. Global leaders fear America’s intervention in the conflict would further destabilise the Middle East as the president warned Iran must make peace or face further attack.

In an operation dubbed “Midnight Hammer”, the US unleashed the largest-ever deployment of B-2 stealth bombers, dropping 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs for the first time in combat. Trump said precision strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, the “nuclear mountain” that could only be penetrated by American military technology. He warned future attacks would be “far greater and a lot easier” if Iran does not strike a peace deal.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted in a later press conference that his country’s involvement was “most certainly not open-ended”, emphasising a desire to avoid a protracted war. The attack has split politicians in the US, while the UN warned “this conflict could rapidly get out of control”. Hegseth confirmed a statement from Iran’s top diplomat that negotiations between the two countries were ongoing. He also told media the bombings were not aimed at toppling Iran’s government.

Iran’s state-owned Press TV reported the parliament had agreed to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply flows, in retaliation for the US attacks – though the final decision rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that if Iran followed through on the threat, it would be “another terrible mistake” and would aggravate China. Iran’s foreign minister said he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow today (AEST), adding that Iran must “respond based on our legitimate right of self-defence”. Russia has long supplied Iran with weapons and air defence systems.