The B-2 stealth bomber will perform a fly before the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens at Gehafield at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
This report has been updated.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said the US attacked three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday night, with all US planes on its way back to the US.
“Some time ago, the US military carried out a massive precision strike on the Iranian regime’s three key nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan,” Trump said in a briefly aired statement from the White House just after 10pm in the east.
“Our aim was to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and to stop the nuclear threat posed by terrorist sponsors in the world’s first state,” he said. “Tonight I can report to the world that the strike is an epic military success. Iran’s important nuclear enrichment facility has completely and completely disappeared.”
President Trump said he is adjacent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses.
“Iran, a bully in the Middle East, must now create peace,” he said. “If not, future attacks will be much bigger and much easier.”
Trump first announced his strike about two hours agoOn social media.
“All planes are currently outside Iran’s airspace. A large number of bombs have been dropped into the primary environment. All planes are on their way home. Congratulations to our great American warriors. We could have done this. Now is time for peace!
Several U.S. House Democrats questioned the legality of bombing.
“President Trump has no constitutional authority to take us to fight Iran without permission from Congress. Congress has not approved it.”I wrote it on x.
It was at the beginning of SaturdayMany reportsThe B-2 bomber was sentWhiteman Air Force Base He flew through the Pacific Ocean in Johnson County, Missouri. The Pentagon leader said at a press conference on Sunday morning that the bombers were decoys. “A deception effort known only to a very small number of planners and key leaders here in Washington and Tampa,” said Dan Kane’s co-chief president. “The main strike package consisting of seven B-2 spirit bombers each had two crew members and quietly proceeded east with minimal communication.”
Trump returned to the White House from a golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, around 6pm Saturday to attend the National Security Council at the White House.
The attack on Iranian sites supports Israel, a major US ally, a contract that restricts Iran’s nuclear development, while keeping distance from another Trump administration’s foreign policy priorities, a contract to limit Iran’s nuclear development.
“I would like to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump said, referring to the Israeli Prime Minister in the White House.
Trump has repeatedly said Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
GOP supports playing cards
Republican lawmakers in the role of national security quickly weighed on social media and statements on Saturday in support of Trump’s decision.
Senator John Tune, Rs.D. The Senate said in a statement: “The Iranian regime promised to bring ‘death to America’ and wipe Israel off the map, but rejected all diplomatic channels to peace. Do harm. ”
“Our Commander-in-Chief has created the intentional and correct conditions to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime,” said Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Armed Services of the US Senate, R-Miss.I wrote it on x. “We now have a very serious option to provide stable security to the Middle East to our citizens and allies. It’s well thought out by our military. You’re the best!”
House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, blamed Iran for the conflict.
“As I have said several times recently, I regret that Iran has brought the world to this point,” he wrote about X.
Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican and a member of the Senate Intelligence Email Committee, who doesn’t always line up with Trump, praised the move.
“We would like to thank the brave service members who carried out this mission,” he said. “If Iran’s nuclear capabilities are destroyed, the world will be safer. We look forward to the briefing in the next few days.”
Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massey, a libertarian who often opposes with his party leadership, expressed his opposition in a social media post on Saturday night.
“This is not a constitution.”He wrote.
Democrats respond
The immediate response from Democrats mixed in.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman called the move “the right decision,” adding that “Iran is one of the world’s leading terrorist sponsors and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”
However, members of the Congress’ progressive caucus raised the issue of Congress’ permits and called for a vote on privileges.Solved Sponsored by California Democrats Locanna and Massy, they block military force against Iran.
“Donald Trump illegally took military action against Iran without Congressional approval, dragging us into another endless war,” wrote Arizona Democrat Yassamin Ansari. “I am seeking an immediate emergency session of Congress to vote for a resolution on war power.”
“Instead of listening to Americans, Trump is listening to the story of war detective Netanyahu. He lies about Iraq and once again lies about Iran,” wrote Michigan Democrat Rashida Tribe. “Congress must act immediately to exert the power of war and to stop this unconstitutional act of war.”
Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat and House Minority Leader, was extremely important.
“Donald Trump has committed to bringing peace to the Middle East. He has failed to fulfill that promise. The risk of war has now increased dramatically, and I pray for the safety of our troops in the areas where we have been harmed,” Jeffries said in a statement.
“President Trump misleads the country for his intentions, does not seek Congress’ approval for the use of military force, risking American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.”
He said Congress must be explained in a classified environment immediately.
Warning from Iran
Israel began bombing what it said was Iran’s nuclear facility last week, and Trump again repeated on Wednesday, giving up negotiations with Iran.
In a statement issued via a spokesman on Wednesday on state television, Iran’s top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned against engaging in the United States.
“All forms of US military intervention will undoubtedly be irreparable harm,” the statement said.BBC Translation.
Before the announcement, Congressional Republicans generally supported an offensive stance towards Iran.
Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, told Capitol reporters that Iran’s nuclear program was intended to threaten the United States.
“When Ayatollah chants death to America, I believe in him,” Cruz said. “That’s why President Trump is doing crucially as commander, he is taking action to keep America safe.”
The potential of nuclear Iran has animated US policy debates over the region for more than a decade.
During his first term, Trump withdrew from a deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama’s administration and lifted sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear development.
Iran and Hamas
Iran and Israel have not developed diplomatic relations since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, each of which has been major antagonists of other foreign policies.
Israel has long prioritized denying Iran as a nuclear weapon. Iran has funded Hamas, the extremist group that launched the October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, and Hezbollah, the Lebanese extremist group.
US Senator Joni Ernst raised Iran’s support for Hamas at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week, and used it as a rationale for our involvement in the region.
“Who is Hamas’ main funder?” the Iowa Republican asked Hegses.
Hegus answered Iran.
“43 Americans lost their lives at Hamas’ hands on October 7th,” Ernst continued. “So when we have questions about whether America is appropriate to engage in the Middle East and defending Americans who live and work abroad, I think we have an answer.”
Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.
