Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
LOUSVILLE, KY-Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on the United States strikes in Iran:
“Iran’s war on America and Israel spans decades. The history of the Islamic Republic is written in American, Israeli, and Arab blood, as well as that of the Iranian people. The regime’s survival has depended on repression at home and web of proxy terrorism and aggression abroad, underpinned by an obsessive pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“Israel’s bold response to the war thrust upon it by Iran’s proxies has created a unique opportunity to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions and strike a lasting blow to its hegemonic aggression. Seizing this opportunity is not an escalation toward war — it is a prudent response to the warmongers in Tehran. Iran would be foolish to misunderstand American resolve.
“I commend the President for authorizing decisive action and all U.S. servicemembers responsible for carrying it out. The United States’ interest in denying Iran a nuclear weapon, in standing with our ally, Israel, and in reestablishing credible deterrent power is undeniable and urgent.”
SKRUNDA, Latvia – As part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2025, U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Marines from 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), and Latvian Army engineers are constructing a fortified trench network designed for survivability in a drone-contested battlespace. The project serves both as a realistic rehearsal and a proof of concept for how modern combat engineers support maneuverability, concealment, and endurance in multi-domain operations.
QUANTICO, Va. – The NCIS Major Case Response Team Basic Training Program, hosted by the Office of Forensic Support’s Pacific Forensic Training Center, has officially earned accreditation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board as of May 15.
CARIBBEAN SEA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), supporting maritime southern border operations, conducted a hold-and-transfer of 245 kilograms of contraband recovered by the Royal Canadian Navy Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) in the Caribbean Sea June 9. The Reliance-class U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) accepted the contraband from the Cole’s embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) June 11 during a rendezvous at sea in the Caribbean.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)
Rep. Estes Reacts to Successful U.S. Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Sites
WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after the United States successfully carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
“Tonight’s decisive action reflects the United States’ commitment to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power,” said Rep. Estes. “Iran – a regime that espouses ‘death to America’ and supports terrorism – chose to continue to pursue the development of nuclear weapons. To do nothing would pose a threat to the U.S. and the rest of the free world. Instead of weak inaction, we have completely obliterated three nuclear sites, thanks to the incredible men and women in uniform who ensure that our nation is safe and free. We pray for our troops and for God’s protection over the United States of America.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)
Case Statement On The U.S. Attack On Iran
Honolulu, HI, June 21, 2025
(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today issued his statement following the U.S. attack on Iran:
“Iran under its current leadership has chosen to be our enemy and cannot possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances, but that end doesn’t justify any means.
“The administration has not provided the information required to determine whether this attack was appropriate, including whether diplomatic efforts were exhausted, whether there was a risk of imminent attack on our country, and whether the administration consulted in any way with Congress as required by the Constitution and law.
“I return to DC tomorrow where I expect a full classified briefing addressing all of these issues.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China Film Co. Ltd. announced its new film “Dead to Rights” will release in Chinese theaters on Aug. 2, exposing the crimes committed by Japanese invaders during the Nanjing Massacre through the story of a photo studio set in 1937.
Aposter for “Dead to Rights.” [Image courtesy of China Film Co. Ltd.]
The Nanjing Massacre refers to a period of history that started when Japanese troops captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. In the space of six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.
Directed by Shen Ao and starring Liu Haoran, Wang Chuanjun, Gao Ye and Wang Xiao, “Dead to Rights” is based on documented evidence of Japanese military atrocities during the massacre. In the film, a group of civilians take shelter in a photo studio in Nanjing, where they are forced to develop film for Japanese military photographers in exchange for survival — turning the studio into a temporary safe house. But when they accidentally process photos that prove the massacre, and the Japanese army attempts to cover up the truth, they risk everything to smuggle the evidence out.
“We wanted to use the photo studio as a subtle yet revealing lens to reflect larger truths through small details,” the director explained. The film is based on surviving photographic evidence from the Nanjing Massacre — those familiar images from textbooks and news reports everyone has seen, yet few know how these records of Japanese atrocities were preserved and ultimately brought to light.
Shen structured the narrative around the wartime experiences of ordinary Nanjing residents, using their stories to show how crucial evidence emerged — presenting this historical tragedy from a fresh perspective that vividly brings the events to life on the big screen.
As the director noted, these ordinary individuals became glimmers of light in one of the darkest chapters of history.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. To commemorate this historic milestone, the filmmakers present “Dead to Rights,” a powerful cinematic account that gives tangible form to history through its extraordinary story.
The film is a strong summer contender in China’s film market, considering the success of Shen Ao’s 2023 blockbuster “No More Bets” that drew significant public interest, sparked widespread discussion and earned 3.85 billion yuan ($530 million).
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran will face more military strikes if peace does not come quickly.
Addressing the nation Saturday evening, Trump said that Iran’s key nuclear facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated,” and that future attacks will be “far greater and a lot easier.”
“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes,” he said.
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity,” he said, calling the bombing a “spectacular” success.
Trump said that he decided a long time ago not to let Iran gain a nuclear weapon and that without peace, there will be “tragedy” for Iran that will far exceed what’s taken place.
Top U.S. military leaders will hold a news conference at 8:00 am (1200 GMT) Sunday morning, he said.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites are “a dangerous escalation” and “a direct threat to international peace and security.”
“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,” said Guterres in a statement.
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 said.
Guterres called on UN member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” he said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the “dangerous escalation” of the Iran conflict through US bombing of nuclear sites in the country can catastrophically get out of control.
In a statement minutes before US President Donald Trump’s address to the nation on Saturday night, Guterres said the attack was “a direct threat to international peace and security.”
He said he was “gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today” and warned that “there is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”
Trump said his “military carried out massive, precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan.”
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror,” he said.
The US and Israel, Trump said, worked “as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before.”
He warned, “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
There are more targets that the US can hit in Iran, he said.
“But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.”
However, in an earlier Truth Social post, Trump also said, “Now is the time for peace! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
“There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close,” he added.
Israel had started attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 13, and Iran retaliated with missiles and drones, some of which managed to penetrate Israel’s defence.
Trump, who had been vacillating between restraint and joining Israel, had said on Thursday that he would decide whether to attack in a two-week frame, but it came two days later.
The US attack followed an apparently failed last-minute diplomatic effort by foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France, along with the European Union representative, to de-escalate the situation.
Two of the three sites that Trump said had been hit had been attacked earlier by Israel.
They were Fordo and Natanz, which are uranium enrichment facilities where the element is refined to ultimately reach bomb grade.
The third facility attacked was a storage for the enriched uranium.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commissioner for Belt and Road to lead delegation to Indonesia and Malaysia Indonesia and Malaysia, two of Hong Kong’s major trading and investment partners, are undergoing rapid infrastructure development, while Hong Kong has a pool of experienced professionals in related areas such as engineering, architecture and design, surveying, legal services and finance. The visit will focus on promoting the advantages of Hong Kong’s professional services related to infrastructure development, with a view to exploring further collaboration opportunities with Indonesia and Malaysia and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
In addition to meeting with government officials, business leaders and representatives of professional organisations and enterprises, the delegation will also attend presentations of signature projects in Indonesia and Malaysia to explore business collaboration. The Belt and Road Office will organise business luncheons in both countries to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages, highlighting its pivotal role as a “super value-adder”.
The delegation comprises representatives from professional and commercial sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises. They will visit Indonesia from June 23 to 24, and Malaysia from June 25 to 26. Issued at HKT 12:00
The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US.Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, marking its open participation in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
The US says it fired 30 submarine-launched missiles at the sites in Natanz and Isfahan, as well as dropping more than a dozen “bunker buster” bombs at Fordow and Natanz.
The kind of bomb in question is the extremely destructive GBU-57 Massive Ordance Penetrator, or MOP, which weighs around 13.5 tonnes.
The attacks raise a lot of questions. What are these enormous bombs? Why did the US feel it had to get involved in the conflict? And, going forward, what does it mean for Iran’s nuclear ambitions?
What are ‘bunker busters’, and why are they used?
Bunker busters are weapons designed to destroy heavily protected facilities such as bunkers deep underground, beyond the reach of normal bombs.
Bunker busters are designed to bury themselves into the ground before detonating. This allows more of the explosive force to penetrate into the ground, rather than travelling through the air or across the surface.
Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan are built deep underground. Estimates suggest that Fordow for example could be 80m beneath the surface, and capped with layers of reinforced concrete and soil.
What is the MOP?
The bunker buster used in this particular operation is the largest in the US arsenal. Leaving aside nuclear weapons, the MOP is the largest known buster buster in the world.
Weighing some 13.5 tonnes, the MOP is believed to be able to penetrate up to 60 metres below ground in the right conditions. It is not known how many the US possesses, but the numbers are thought to be small (perhaps 20 or so in total).
We also don’t know exactly how many were used in Iran, though some reports say it was 14. However, it is likely to be a significant portion of the US MOP arsenal.
Why does only the US possess this capability?
The US is not the only state with bunker-busting weaponry. However, the size of MOP means it requires very specialised bombers to carry and drop it.
Only the B2 stealth bomber is currently able to deploy the MOP. Each B2 can carry at most two MOPs at a time. Around seven of America’s 19 operational B2s were used in the Iran operation.
There has been some consideration whether large transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules could be modified to carry and drop the MOP from its rear cargo doors. While this would allow other countries (including Israel) to deploy the MOP, it is for now purely hypothetical.
Why has the US (apparently) used them in Iran
The Trump administration claims Iran may be only a few weeks from possessing a nuclear weapon, and that it needed to act now to destroy Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. This claim is notably at odds with published assessments from the US intelligence community.
However, Israel lacks bunker busting weaponry sufficient to damage the deeply buried and fortified enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
An F-15E Strike Eagle releases a GBU-28 ‘bunker buster’ laser-guided bomb, a smaller equivalewnt of the 13,600 kg GBU-57 ‘Massive Ordnance Penetrator’ believed to have been used in Iran. Michael Ammons / US Air Force
Only the MOP could do the job (short of using nuclear weapons). Even then, multiple MOPs would have been required to ensure sufficient damage to the underground facilities.
The US has claimed that these sites have been utterly destroyed. We cannot conclusively say whether this is true.
Iran may also have other, undeclared nuclear sites elsewhere in the country.
Iran’s reaction
The US has reportedly reached out to Iran via diplomatic channels to emphasise that this attack was a one-off, not part of a larger project of regime change. It is hard to say what will happen in the next few weeks.
Iran may retaliate with large strikes against Israel or against US forces in the region. It could also interrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which would affect a large portion of global oil shipments, with profound economic implications.
Alternatively, Iran could capitulate and take steps to demonstrate it is ending its nuclear program. However, capitulation would not necessarily mean the end of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The value of nuclear weapons
Perhaps a greater concern is that the attack will reinforce Iran’s desire to go nuclear. Without nuclear weapons, Iran was unable to threaten the US enough to deter today’s attack.
Iran may take lessons from the fate of other states. Ukraine (in)famously surrendered its stockpile of former Soviet nuclear weapons in the early 1990s. Russia has since felt emboldened to annex Crimea in 2014 and launch an ongoing invasion in 2022. Other potential nuclear states, such as Iraq and Gadaffi’s regime in Libya, also suffered from military intervention.
By contrast, North Korea successfully tested its first nuclear weapon in 2006. Since then there has been no serious consideration of military intervention in North Korea.
Iran may yet have the ability to produce useful amounts of weapons-grade uranium. It may now aim to buy itself time to assemble a relatively small nuclear device, similar in scale to the bombs used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Depending on what facilities and resources have survive the US strikes, the attack has likely reinforced that the only way the Iranian regime can guarantee its survival is to possess nuclear weapons.
James Dwyer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities:
“The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the authority to authorize war. The administration must immediately brief Congress, outline its objectives, and make the case to the American people. Without that, further unilateral military action would constitute a troubling overreach and pose unacceptable risks.
“Protecting our troops, diplomats, and U.S. personnel in the region must remain the top priority. As the risk of a broader conflict grows, the American people deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of how we arrived at this point.
“Iran is a serious threat and must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. But these recent U.S. airstrikes represent a major escalation with potentially far-reaching consequences.”
SYDNEY – Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the flagship of the America Strike Group, arrived in Sydney, today, June 14, for a scheduled port visit. The ship carries embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and is currently conducting routine operations in the South Pacific.
SYDNEY — Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and embarked elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Sydney, Australia, for a routine port visit while conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, June 15.
NEWPORT, RI— In his first visit to the professional military education institution, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) summer graduation ceremony onboard Naval Station Newport, June 13.
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink delivers a commencement address to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s class of 2025, the T-7A Red Hawk is the future of pilot training, and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are ready for the Atlantic hurricane season.
The Department of the Air Force has opened a public comment period to detail recent updates to the background and methodology for Support of Military Families 2025 scorecards for spouse employment and public education surrounding DAF installations.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) — China’s disaster relief and strategic reserve department said Saturday that emergency supplies have been dispatched to flood-hit central China’s Hunan Province.
According to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commission, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the State Food and Material Administration of China, the aid includes more than 81,500 daily necessities such as tents, folding beds, blankets and mattresses. In addition, effective assistance will be provided to relocate the affected residents and meet their basic living needs.
Hunan Province has been hit by severe floods in recent days, with Zhangjiajie City and Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture hit hardest.
Let us recall that China has adopted a four-tier emergency response system for flood-related emergencies, with level 1 being the highest. -0-
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Security Bureau holds Flag Raising Ceremony by Disciplined Services and Youth Groups for Commemorating 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security LawIssued at HKT 11:40
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today released the following statement:
“President Trump came into office promising to ‘end the endless foreign wars.’ Tonight, he took steps that could drag the United States into another one, without consulting Congress, without a clear strategy, without regard to the consistent conclusions of the intelligence community, and without explaining to the American people what’s at stake.
“There is no question that Iran poses a serious threat to regional stability, and the United States must remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security and in ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. But launching direct military strikes without authorization from or consultation with Congress raises urgent questions: What is the president’s objective? How is he measuring success? And what’s the plan to prevent this from dragging our country into another open-ended conflict in the Middle East that costs American lives and resources for years to come?
“The Constitution makes clear that the power to authorize war lies with Congress. There are more than 40,000 U.S. servicemembers deployed across the region, as well as American diplomats, contractors, and aid workers, and the safety of our personnel must be paramount. With American lives and our national security on the line, any action that could draw the United States into a broader conflict demands transparency, accountability, and a clear strategy. So far, the president has offered none of these.
“The American people deserve more than vague rhetoric and unilateral decisions that could set off a wider war. The president must come before Congress immediately to articulate clear strategic objectives and lay out how he plans to protect American lives and ensure we are not once again drawn into a costly, unnecessary, and avoidable conflict.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday hailed US President Donald Trump following coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, calling the military action a bold and historic move that could reshape the future of the Middle East.
In a video address after the strikes, Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the heavily fortified Fordow site, as well as installations at Natanz and Esfahan. The Israeli leader reiterated the long-standing motto shared by both leaders: “Peace through strength”.
“First comes strength, then comes peace,” Netanyahu said. “Tonight, President Trump and the United States demonstrated immense strength. This is a decisive and bold action that will be remembered in history.”
The US military reportedly deployed six bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility and launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Natanz and Esfahan, as part of what has been described as a highly successful mission. The operation, reportedly codenamed “Rising Lion”, was aimed at neutralising what the US sees as imminent nuclear threats posed by Iran.
“President Trump, congratulations. Your courageous leadership and decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites with the overwhelming power of the United States is a pivotal moment,” Netanyahu said. “This action, in my view, denies the world’s most dangerous regime access to the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s role in countering regional threats but acknowledged that the US operation far exceeded anything any nation could have executed. “History will record this as the moment when a line was drawn. President Trump acted not just for American security, but for the safety of the entire world,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trump posted on his platform, Truth Social, confirming the airstrikes and stating, “A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow… All planes are safely on their way home.” He called the mission a success and praised the American military, saying, “There is no other force on Earth that could have accomplished this.”
In his post, Trump emphasised that “now is the time for peace” and announced he would address the nation at 10 p.m. local time to discuss the operation in detail. Describing the moment as historic for the US, Israel, and the world, Trump called on Iran to “end this war” and reconsider its nuclear ambitions in the wake of the military response.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation has stated that the attacks on its nuclear sites constitute a violation of international law. However, it did not clarify the extent of the damage caused by the strikes that US President Donald Trump announced earlier.
Trump has said the US military carried out strikes on Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz atomic sites. The attack took place early on Sunday.
Iran has said that it would not allow the development of its “national industry” – an apparent reference to the country’s nuclear development – to be stopped.
Tehran’s agency said the attacks on its nuclear sites violate international law. “The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran assures the great Iranian nation that despite the evil conspiracies of its enemies, with the efforts of thousands of its revolutionary and motivated scientists and experts, it will not allow the development of this national industry, which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, to be stopped,” it said in its statement.
Earlier, Trump announced that the US military had carried out strikes on Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz atomic sites. “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,” he said on the social platform ‘Truth Social’.
He further said that this was a historic moment for America, Israel and the world, and that Iran must agree to end this war.
Earlier on Friday, Trump told reporters that he has given Iran a maximum of two weeks to return to the negotiation table over its nuclear program.
On June 13, Israel began airstrikes on Iran, destroying several infrastructures and killing dozens of Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on various locations in Israel.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)
Ezell Applauds President Trump’s Decisive Action Against Iranian Nuclear Threat
Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-4) issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure:
“I applaud President Trump for taking bold and decisive action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. The Islamic Republic has long posed a grave threat to global stability, and this strike sends an unmistakable message: the United States will not tolerate rogue regimes developing weapons of mass destruction.
For decades, Iran’s leaders have openly chanted ‘Death to America’ while funding terrorism and threatening our allies. Those words are not just rhetoric—they represent a dangerous agenda that must be taken seriously.
This operation not only protects our national security interests, but also strengthens the safety of our allies in the Middle East—especially Israel—and helps secure a more stable future for the region. I am proud to stand with President Trump and our military for taking swift and necessary steps to defend peace through strength.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to U.S. strikes against Iran.
“Today’s U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites represent strong, decisive action fully within President Trump’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief. By targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, the Administration has significantly degraded Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and disrupted a looming threat to global security.
“This action was not taken lightly, but with resolve, responsibility, and in pursuit of a more stable and peaceful future. By reducing Iran’s capacity to develop a nuclear weapon, these strikes send a clear and unmistakable message: America will act swiftly and with precision to defend our national interests and those of our allies.
“Now is the time for Iran to reassess its path and choose negotiation over provocation. While diplomacy should always remain our preferred path, I fully support President Trump’s use of legitimate, constitutional authority to protect the United States and prevent a far greater conflict down the road.”
US President Donald Trump declared that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes unless it ended its confrontation with Israel.
The targeted locations reportedly include the highly fortified Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.
Addressing a media briefing just hours after the strikes on Saturday (US time), Trump stated, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days. There are many targets left.”
“Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” he added.
The President asserted that the strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts to renegotiate a nuclear agreement with Tehran — following the US withdrawal from the 2015 accord in 2018 – Trump has now thrown full support behind Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking military officials, a campaign launched a little over a week ago.
In his statement, Trump extended gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.”
The air conflict between the two nations erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran.
Israeli authorities claimed the offensive was a preemptive measure to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an ambition Iran has consistently denied.
The conflict has since raised tensions across the region, already on edge following Israel’s prolonged war in Gaza since October 2023.
The latest exchange has now drawn in the United States in a direct military capacity.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the strikes a “historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the World… Iran must now agree to end this war. Thank you!”
In another post, the US President praised American forces, writing, “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.”
Iranian state media confirmed that parts of the Fordow nuclear facility were hit in what it called “enemy strikes,” though further details on the extent of the damage remain limited.
US President Donald Trump declared that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes unless it ended its confrontation with Israel.
The targeted locations reportedly include the highly fortified Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.
Addressing a media briefing just hours after the strikes on Saturday (US time), Trump stated, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days. There are many targets left.”
“Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” he added.
The President asserted that the strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts to renegotiate a nuclear agreement with Tehran — following the US withdrawal from the 2015 accord in 2018 – Trump has now thrown full support behind Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking military officials, a campaign launched a little over a week ago.
In his statement, Trump extended gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.”
The air conflict between the two nations erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran.
Israeli authorities claimed the offensive was a preemptive measure to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an ambition Iran has consistently denied.
The conflict has since raised tensions across the region, already on edge following Israel’s prolonged war in Gaza since October 2023.
The latest exchange has now drawn in the United States in a direct military capacity.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the strikes a “historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the World… Iran must now agree to end this war. Thank you!”
In another post, the US President praised American forces, writing, “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.”
Iranian state media confirmed that parts of the Fordow nuclear facility were hit in what it called “enemy strikes,” though further details on the extent of the damage remain limited.
US stealth bombers were flying across the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, fueling speculation over their intended mission as President Donald Trump considers joining Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump says he will decide within two weeks on whether the US military will get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, while the president has kept the world guessing on his plans, veering from proposing a swift diplomatic solution to suggesting the US might join the fighting on Israel’s side.
Israeli forces launched fresh strikes against Iran’s critical port city of Bandar Abbas in southwestern Iran on Saturday, targeting what the military described as unmanned aerial vehicle depots and weapons facilities. The strategic significance of Bandar Abbas cannot be overstated – the city serves as Iran’s most important commercial gateway, housing the country’s main port, naval headquarters, and vital oil infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil trade passes. Earlier Saturday, Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iran, including against the Isfahan nuclear site, as Iran sent missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is intensifying, drawing growing concern from regional powers and international observers.
In the latest escalation, Iran launched around 40 drones toward Israeli territory. In response, Israeli forces struck what they described as “dozens of military targets” in southwestern Iran. Among the sites hit was an emergency center in Khuzestan province, which, according to Iranian media, included a university reported to have been completely destroyed in the bombardment.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military posture in the region. The Pentagon has deployed B-2 stealth bombers from their base in Missouri to the Pacific. These long-range aircraft are capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker buster, a 14-ton conventional weapon designed to penetrate deep underground facilities, such as Iran’s fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site.
The conflict has prompted warnings from Iran-backed groups across West Asia, with Houthi forces cautioning the United States against military action targeting Tehran. The rebels specifically threatened to target American ships and warships in the Red Sea if Washington joins Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
An Iranian military spokesperson escalated tensions further by declaring that arms exports to Israel would be considered legitimate targets by Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have proven unsuccessful, with Iranian officials stating they would not engage in discussions with the United States while Israel’s bombing campaign continues.
US stealth bombers were flying across the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, fueling speculation over their intended mission as President Donald Trump considers joining Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump says he will decide within two weeks on whether the US military will get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, while the president has kept the world guessing on his plans, veering from proposing a swift diplomatic solution to suggesting the US might join the fighting on Israel’s side.
Israeli forces launched fresh strikes against Iran’s critical port city of Bandar Abbas in southwestern Iran on Saturday, targeting what the military described as unmanned aerial vehicle depots and weapons facilities. The strategic significance of Bandar Abbas cannot be overstated – the city serves as Iran’s most important commercial gateway, housing the country’s main port, naval headquarters, and vital oil infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil trade passes. Earlier Saturday, Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iran, including against the Isfahan nuclear site, as Iran sent missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is intensifying, drawing growing concern from regional powers and international observers.
In the latest escalation, Iran launched around 40 drones toward Israeli territory. In response, Israeli forces struck what they described as “dozens of military targets” in southwestern Iran. Among the sites hit was an emergency center in Khuzestan province, which, according to Iranian media, included a university reported to have been completely destroyed in the bombardment.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military posture in the region. The Pentagon has deployed B-2 stealth bombers from their base in Missouri to the Pacific. These long-range aircraft are capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker buster, a 14-ton conventional weapon designed to penetrate deep underground facilities, such as Iran’s fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site.
The conflict has prompted warnings from Iran-backed groups across West Asia, with Houthi forces cautioning the United States against military action targeting Tehran. The rebels specifically threatened to target American ships and warships in the Red Sea if Washington joins Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
An Iranian military spokesperson escalated tensions further by declaring that arms exports to Israel would be considered legitimate targets by Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have proven unsuccessful, with Iranian officials stating they would not engage in discussions with the United States while Israel’s bombing campaign continues.
UTSKA, Poland – Commander, Task Force (CTF) 66, U.S. 6th Fleet’s purpose-built all-domain task force with the mission of integrating Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) into fleet operations, is participating in Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS) June 5-20, 2025.
APRA HARBOR, Guam – The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Guam following a scheduled port visit, June 14-17. This port visit marked the first time Blue Ridge has visited Guam since 2020.
