TRANSCRIPT
In a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, President Donald Trump says the United States has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran - Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.
Iranian State Television has confirmed the strikes.
"At dawn today, the country's nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan were attacked by enemies of the Islamic Iran in a barbaric move violating international regulations particularly the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This illegal move was unfortunately carried out amid the indifference, even the complicity of the IAEA."
President Trump says he felt it was necessary to have the US directly join Israel's effort, saying the strikes are a response to a long-held fears of Iran developing a nuclear arsenal.
He says this matter has now been dealt with.
"Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated."
Iran’s nuclear agency has confirmed the attacks on the three nuclear sites.
But it says its work will not be stopped.
Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation has reportedly confirmed the attacks issuing the following statement.
"Iran’s nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted by the enemies at dawn today in a savage operation that violates international law, particularly the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Regrettably, this violation of international law has taken place under the indifference, and even complicity, of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
Earlier, US media outlets reported B2 bomber aircraft had been moved from the US mainland to the Pacific island of Guam.
Mr Trump has also confirmed that all US planes are safely on their way home after completing the mission.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated the US President for his decision to bomb Iran, claiming Mr Trump has changed history.
The attacks come after Mr Netanyahu, who has rallied against the Iranian government and its potential for developing nuclear weapons since the 90s, launched a surprise Israeli assault on Iran earlier this month.
Israel itself is believed to have about 90 nuclear warheads of their own.
The Israeli leader claims President Trump's military intervention has created a path for peace.
“Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. It has done what no other country on earth could do. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace. President Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength’. First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.”
Questions remain about how the Iranian government will respond to the strikes and whether this could be the beginning of a new US war in the Middle East.
President Trump has warned Iran against any retaliation.
"This cannot continue. Iran the bully of the Middle East must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. There will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days."
The Albanese government has called for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as fears of all out war between the United States and Iran take hold.
A spokesperson for the federal government did not comment directly on the unprecedented strikes but, in a statement, says: "We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace."
They have also suggested that Australians in Israel and Iran should listen to warnings from local authorities, and the government will be communicating directly with registered Australians about preparations for assisted departures.
