On Saturday night, the US military carried out airstrikes in Iran, marking a significant event following President Trump’s repeated calls for Iran to surrender after Israel conducted a substantial attack on its nuclear facilities and military assets.
“We have successfully attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All aircraft have exited Iran’s airspace,” Trump shared via The Society of Truth before 8 PM.
“The full payload was delivered to the main site, Fordow. All planes are now en route back. Congratulations to our valiant American forces. We made this possible. It’s a time for peace! Thank you for this matter.”
Trump had been in closed-door negotiations with Iran to restrict uranium enrichment for several days.
However, Tehran declared on Friday that it would not engage in nuclear discussions with the US while facing attacks from Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Arakich, stated that talks would not happen “until the Israeli invasion ceases,” and warned of retaliation if Trump proceeded with the attack.
Sources close to the White House indicated that Trump opted for a show of “overwhelming force” on Friday, opting to deploy six nuclear platforms to neutralize B-2 bombers poised for strikes.
Israel had initiated an attack on Iran the previous Friday, targeting key nuclear scientists and military leaders involved in the nation’s nuclear program.
As hostilities escalated between the two nations, Trump issued a public ultimatum for Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
He also claimed the US is aware of the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting they are keeping him alive “for now.”
Khamenei responded to Trump’s demands with skepticism, and a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry cautioned that US involvement could lead to “total war in the region.”
“It is unwise to demand the Iranian state to surrender. What should we yield to?” Khamenei remarked. “We will not cave to anyone’s assault.”
When questioned about Khamenei’s response, Trump simply said, “Speaking good fortune.”
Israel has urged the US to act to secure Iran’s Fordow facility, which is deeply entrenched in the mountains, believing American military technology could effectively dismantle it.
The US targeted the site with a heavy “bunkerbuster” bomb designed for deeper underground facilities, intending to avoid incomplete disassembly by Israel.
Trump remarked, “We’re the only ones who can do it, but I’m not going to do it – at least not right now,” suggesting he was considering his options.
He mentioned reaching out to engage with an Iranian delegation in Washington, although he acknowledged it would be challenging for them to come while facing Israeli fire.
Trump suggested that Iranian officials might sign an agreement after a 60-day period.
Simultaneously, the Israeli Air Force initiated a new round of airstrikes on western Iran late Wednesday.
“The aircraft are skilled operatives aiming to retrieve ammunition from previously targeted sites,” remarked IDF spokesperson Brig. General Effy Deflin.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a targeted military operation against Iran in a video statement before the strikes commenced.
“Our message is straightforward: if they attempt to restore their terrorist capabilities, we will respond decisively.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offered to mediate between Israel and Iran, a proposal that Trump has dismissed.
Israeli ambassador to the US, Yethiel Leiter, cautioned of an impending “surprise” in the coming days, hinting at a potential attack on Iran that could be reminiscent of last year’s explosion involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Let’s say the world understands just how serious we are about curbing Iran’s capabilities, extending beyond just Gaza and southern Lebanon,” he told Merritt TV on Monday.
“We’ve minimized a lot of surprises, and once things settle, we’ll reveal some unexpected developments toward the end of the week.”
