US launches airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran

Trump hails successful’ hits as he leads Washington into war

- KATIE HAWKINSON ANDREW FEINBERG

President Donald Trump earlier today announced that the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, ending days of speculation over whether he would order American forces to join Israel's week-old campaign to knock out Tehran's nuclear weapons program by ordering long-range bombers with a surprise attack aimed at bringing Iranian officials back to the negotiating table.

"We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," the president wrote on Truth Social. "All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow."

Fordow and Natanz both house uranium enrichment centres, while Esfahan is where Iran is believed to be keeping nearbomb-grade enriched uranium.

The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is buried deep underground, heavily fortified and expected to contain 2,700 centrifuges, which are essential for uranium enrichment.

"All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors,” Mr Trump added. "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."

Israel launched attacks against Iran on 13 June, claiming the country was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran then retaliated with its own series of airstrikes. The two countries have continued to trade attacks since. At least 657 people have been killed in Iran, with another 2,037 wounded, the Associated Press reports.