U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the recent military action against Iran was intentionally limited to avoid closing off diplomatic channels. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that the U.S. still seeks negotiations and continues to send both public and private messages to Iran. Hegseth said the restrained nature of the strike was itself a message. Analysts suggest this reflects Washington's preference for diplomatic pressure over war, though Iran’s response will shape the conflict’s future course.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane stated that the full extent of damage from recent American military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities remains undetermined. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he noted that initial assessments are still underway, making it too early to specify what has been destroyed or what remains intact. General Kane also declined to disclose details about measures to protect U.S. troops in the Middle East but affirmed that American forces are fully prepared to defend national and regional interests.

President Trump’s strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Though he claims the attack aims to prevent Iran’s nuclear ambitions and open doors to peace, the move has triggered fears of wider conflict. Iran reported minor damage, but retaliation remains possible. Trump faces criticism from both opponents and allies, and the strike may strain his “America First” credentials. With tensions rising, the situation threatens to spiral beyond Washington’s control.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Saturday night's strikes on Iran were deliberately aimed at "weakening" and "destroying" its nuclear capabilities. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, "Iran's nuclear program has been decimated." Hegseth added that there were no military or civilian casualties. He further asserted, "Many US presidents have dreamed of delivering a decisive blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions, but only Trump has had the courage to carry it out." He stressed that the world should listen when Trump speaks and claimed no other nation but the US could execute such a mission. The operation was codenamed Midnight Hammer, according to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “We have acted as a coalition, perhaps more effectively than ever before.”

He applauded the Israeli military for its role in countering what he described as “a terrible threat” and expressed pride in the unity between the U.S. and Israel during the recent developments.

Iran’s Armed Forces Central Command, Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, issued a stern warning Sunday. The statement declared that any country providing military aid or equipment—by air or sea—to Israel would be considered a direct participant in the aggression and thus a legitimate target for Iranian forces.

The statement added that despite Israel’s possession of one of the world’s most advanced missile defense systems, it failed to intercept Iranian attacks and suffered losses in radar and air defense capabilities, as well as a shortage of ammunition.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them “a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty).”

In a statement, he warned: “This morning’s U.S. attacks were extremely dangerous and will have permanent consequences. All UN member states must recognize this as a lawless and criminal act.” He emphasized Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.

Following Iran's missile and drone attacks Sunday morning, at least 11 people have been injured across various parts of Israel, according to the country's emergency services.

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency response organization, reported that one person suffered a gunshot wound while ten others sustained minor injuries. Rockets and shrapnel reportedly struck ten different locations, including Carmel, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and the northern coastal plain.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones on Israel Sunday morning, marking a dramatic escalation just hours after the United States conducted overnight air and missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles in what is being described as its first direct missile assault on Israel in the current conflict. Additionally, two Iranian drones were intercepted and shot down by the Israeli Air Force earlier in the day. The IDF claims these drones were launched even before the U.S. strikes occurred.

The air raids have triggered widespread panic across Israel.

Following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Israel has temporarily closed its airspace, anticipating a retaliatory response from Iran.
Israel’s airport authority cited “current developments” as the reason for the closure, which will remain in effect until further notice.
However, land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan remain open.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the U.S. strikes on Iran as a "turning point in history" in a video message posted online.

“President Trump and I have long said: Peace comes through strength. Last night, the U.S. demonstrated its strength,”
Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter), framing the military operation as a strategic shift in the regional balance of power.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a “bold move that will be remembered in history.”
He also credited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leading what he called a “historic operation.”
The coordinated U.S. strikes targeted key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night, which Trump has claimed were highly successful.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the airstrikes on Iran had eliminated threats against Israel, justifying the military action by labeling Iran as the "epicenter of Middle Eastern terrorism".

“They chant ‘Death to America’—many have died because of this hatred,” he said.
Trump added that while no further attacks are planned for now,
“If Iran does not return to the negotiation table or halt its nuclear program, future strikes will be even more powerful and easier.”
However, Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett criticized Trump’s rationale as insufficient, suggesting the move may have reduced threats to Israel but escalated anxiety among Americans.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) has strongly condemned the U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, calling them a "blatant violation of international law" and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“These brutal pre-dawn attacks occurred under the shadow of the IAEA’s inaction, which is deeply regrettable,”
read a statement from AEOI.
The agency emphasized that the targeted facilities were under IAEA monitoring, and U.S. President Donald Trump publicly admitted responsibility, making this a clear breach of international norms.
The statement asserted that Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities would continue and urged the global community to resist returning to ‘primitive-age’ politics and support Iran’s legitimate rights.

Speaking on Saturday night, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum:

“Either peace will come, or Iran will face a tragedy far worse than what we’ve seen in the past eight days.”
He described the most recent airstrikes as “the hardest and possibly most devastating yet”, and warned that “many more targets remain.” Trump added that if diplomacy fails, further strikes will be carried out with “precision, speed, and efficiency.”