U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong threat that the United States would not hesitate to initiate more strikes against Iran if the situation warrants it. His remarks followed recent statements by Iranian officials admitting the devastating effect of the U.S. military action in June aimed at Iran's nuclear sites.
Citing comments by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the severity of the damage, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on the Iran Nuclear Sites, 'Damages are very severe, they are destroyed.' Of course they are, just like I said — and we will do it again, if necessary!"
Trump also denounced CNN for its coverage, which implied—based on initial intelligence—that Iranian nuclear facilities had not been completely knocked out by the attacks. Trump accused the network of deceiving the public and undermining the efforts of the U.S. military.
As spoken to by Bret Baier. Fake News CNN should fire their fake 'reporter' immediately and apologize to me and to the terrific pilots who 'OBLITERATED' Iran's nuclear facilities. CNN is a total ratings loser, as is MSDNC!".
The targeted operation, code-named Midnight Hammer, consisted of precision bombing against three prime Iranian nuclear facilities. The mission was conducted by U.S. B-2 stealth bombers equipped with 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs capable of breaching highly fortified underground structures.
In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the extent of the damage caused by the U.S. action. "Our facilities have been damaged, seriously damaged. as far as I know they are seriously damaged," he claimed.
In spite of the effect, Araghchi stood firm, insisting that Iran had no intention of stopping its uranium enrichment program. He had characterized the program as an important achievement of Iranian scientists and a national symbol. "Our enrichment is so dear to us," he added. "Clearly we cannot give up our enrichment, since it is an achievement of own scientists and now more than that, it is a matter of national pride."
Iran has always insisted that its nuclear work is for peaceful, civilian purposes. International observers, however, including the UN's nuclear inspector, have challenged Iran's enrichment levels as legitimate, contending they are higher than civilian requirements.
During a press conference on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration's stance on Iran. "The president has been extremely clear regarding his priorities for Iran — he annihilated their nuclear program, and I know that the administration remains willing to engage in talks with Iran if we determine them to be necessary," she stated.
As Tehran is set to conduct nuclear talks with European countries later this week, the United States is conspicuously absent from the negotiations to come.
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