WASHINGTON - The United States tonight officially joined a military operation against Iran's nuclear program. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on three key nuclear facilities on Iranian soil. These attacks follow more than a week of Israeli bombing of Iranian facilities aimed at minimising Tehran's ability to continue its nuclear weapons development.
According to the White House statement, the coordinated strikes are aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear technology that could pose a direct threat to Israel's security and the stability of the entire Middle East. US President Donald Trump addressed the nation shortly after the strikes, stressing that the United States will not back down until Iran agrees to peace talks. "If the Iranian regime refuses peace, it will face further and even harsher attacks," Trump said.
Iranian authorities confirmed the attacks. According to an official Iranian Foreign Ministry statement, three nuclear complexes were hit, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accusing the US of violating international law. Arakci also warned that Iran will use all available means to defend its sovereignty, national interests and the security of its people.
There are reports from the region of rising tensions and growing concerns about the possibility of a wider armed conflict. Security experts warn that the escalation could lead to open clashes not only between Iran and Israel, but also to further involvement of regional players and the international community.
The UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting to discuss steps to prevent a further escalation of the situation. European countries, including Germany and France, have called on all parties to immediately stop the fighting and return to a diplomatic solution. However, it is not clear at the moment whether Tehran and Washington are willing to back down from further military escalation.
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