LAST UPDATE | 22 Jun

THE US HAS attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, US President Donald Trump has announced. 

Trump described it as a “very successful attack”, which targeted the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow as well as two other sites. 

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” he said. 

“A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” he said, adding that the planes were safely out of Iranian airspace and on the way home.

In a phone conversation this morning with Fox News, Trump said six bunker buster bombs were used in the underground complex at Fordow and then 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines on the other sites.

In an address at 3am Irish time, Trump threatened further strikes against Iran. 

He said the US air strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” the nuclear enrichment facilities.

“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left.

“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation at the White House in Washington DC. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned US attacks on key nuclear sites as “outrageous” and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he posted on X, adding that his country will consider “all options” in protecting its sovereignty.

Shortly after, Iran launched a wave of missile strikes across sites in Israel – including Ben Gurion International Airport. It is feared that Teheran will begin to target US-owned locations following last night’s intervention.

It is not the first time Donald Trump has struck at the heart of the Iranian regime – in 2020 he ordered the drone strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani.

In response to the attacks, Israel has raised its alert level, permitting only essential activities until further notice and closing schools, workplaces and banning public gatherings.

It is the second time Israel has implemented a shelter-in-place order since it first launched strikes on Iran last week over disproven claims the country was weeks away from developing nuclear weapons, placing the region into a great period of instability.

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In an address posted to X, Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump’s action had “created a pivot to history” in denying the “most dangerous regime, the most dangerous weapons”.  

Iran’s atomic agency said that the country will carry on with its nuclear activities despite the US attacks on key facilities. The UN has said there has been no increase in radiation levels since the attack.

Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN, called for de-escalation. 

“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,” he said.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he added, before calling on member states to de-escalate.

Iraq’s government this morning said the US’ attack threatens the wider peace and stability in the Middle East. A spokesperson said the strikes “poses serious risks” to peace with neighbours.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the US has taken action to “alleviate” Iran’s nuclear threat and called on Tehran “to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis”.

With reporting from AFP, Muiris Ó Cearbhaill and David MacRedmond.