U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine held a press briefing at the Pentagon following a significant military operation targeting Iran. The U.S. launched strikes against three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This operation involved over 125 aircraft, including advanced B-2 stealth bombers.
The strikes came after days of deliberation by President Donald Trump, who had been weighing the decision to take military action against Iran. Hegseth and Caine announced the operation’s success during the briefing, emphasizing the importance of the mission in addressing threats posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of the Security Council, warned that several countries are ready to supply Iran with nuclear warheads. He stated that the enrichment of nuclear material in Iran would continue despite the U.S. actions. Medvedev did not specify which countries might assist Iran but noted that Russia has historically supported its nuclear program.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them a violation of international law and urging an end to the aggression. They criticized the U.S. for attacking a sovereign nation and claimed such actions contravene the United Nations Charter and Security Council resolutions.
Iran had previously warned that U.S. involvement in the conflict would have consequences. The nation had retaliated against U.S. bases in the past, particularly after the assassination of a top Iranian general in 2020.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Secretary Hegseth assured reporters that the U.S. would collaborate with regional allies to enhance force protection for American troops stationed in the area. He acknowledged the complexities of the situation and the need to respect the sensitivities of U.S. allies in the region.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, especially given Russia’s historical ties to Iran and its involvement in past nuclear negotiations. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both sides respond to the recent military actions.