US strikes ‘obliterated' Iran sites

PRESIDENT Donald Trump said US air strikes yesterday “totally obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites, as Washington joined Israel's war with Tehran in a flashpoint moment for the Middle East.

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In a televised address, Trump warned the US would hit more targets if Iran did not make peace quickly. Hours later, Iran launched two waves of attacks against long-time foe Israel.

“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump said from the White House, adding the crucial underground nuclear enrichment plant of Fordo had been targeted along with facilities at Isfahan and Natanz.

“Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran the bully of the Middle East must now make peace,” he added.

Trump’s intervention - despite his past pledges to avoid another “forever war” — threatens to dramatically widen the conflict, after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Iran last week, with Tehran vowing to retaliate if Washington joined in.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the US strikes, saying Trump's decision to “target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the US will change history”.

In response, Iran’s armed forces said they targeted multiple sites in Israel including Ben Gurion airport, the country’s main international gateway near Tel Aviv.

Israeli rescuers said at least 23 people were wounded. Police said at least three impacts were reported.

One of them was the Ramat Aviv area of Tel Aviv, tearing holes in the facades of apartment blocks.