Latest news with #Operation'MidnightHammer
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Disrespectful, condemnable': Iran hits back at Donald Trump, asks if he's 'genuine about a deal'
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has called out Donald Trump 's recent outburst against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . He said bluntly that if the US President truly wants to talk, he must first watch his words. 'If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers,' Araghchi posted on X. — araghchi (@araghchi) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Tensions remain high after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military sites on 13 June. The fighting lasted 12 days. Washington joined the offensive by bombing three of Iran's nuclear facilities on 22 June under what it called Operation 'Midnight Hammer'. Iran hit back by launching missiles at a US base in Qatar. Mocking Israel, Araghchi wrote, 'The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults.' Live Events Trump claims he saved Khamenei While the dust settled, Trump took to Truth Social and claimed he had stopped Israeli and US forces from killing Khamenei. 'I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life,' Trump wrote. 'I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'' he added. Trump also questioned Khamenei's claim of victory over Israel. He said the Iranian leader had 'blatantly and foolishly' lied about winning the war. 'As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie,' Trump posted. Talks or no talks The US President said he had been working on possible sanction relief for Iran. 'But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more,' Trump wrote. Despite that, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insists the door to talks is not closed. 'I spoke to our special envoy Witkoff at length this morning and I can assure all of you we continue to be in close communication with the Iranians and through our intermediaries as well, namely the Qataris, who have been an incredible ally and partner throughout this entire effort,' she said. She added the US wants Iran to agree to a non-enrichment civil nuclear programme. Iran holds its ground But Araghchi showed no sign of softening. He warned, 'If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any Delusion about the Power of Iran.' He reminded the world that Iran's resilience runs deep. 'The complexity and tenacity of Iranians are famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience. But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny.' He signed off with a line that leaves little doubt where Tehran stands. 'Good will begets good will, and respect begets respect.' The 12-day conflict may have ended but both sides keep their guards up. Trump's claim that Iran is 'a burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them,' has only hardened Tehran's posture. For now, Iran's message is clear. They will not bow to threats, or insults. They say any deal must begin with respect — or not at all.
India.com
12 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
If Trump Is Genuine About Wanting Deal, He Should Put Aside Disrespectful Tone: Iran FM
Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said on Saturday that President Donald Trump should put aside the "disrespectful tone" towards Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei if the US wants to have a deal with Iran. Underscoring that Iran does not take it kindly to threats and insults, Aragchi said that Iran would not hesitate to unveil its real capabilities. "The complexity and tenacity of Iranians are famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience. But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny," Iranian Foreign Minister wrote on X. He added, "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers." "The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to "Daddy" to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults. If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any Delusion about the Power of Iran", the post further mentioned. He concluded his remarks by saying, "Good will begets good will, and respect begets respect." The remarks by the Iranian Foreign Minister come amid the backdrop of the US hinting towards talks with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (US local time) had said the Trump administration is focused on diplomacy and peace, adding that the US continues to remain in close communication with the Iranians. Addressing a press briefing, Leavitt said, "I spoke to our special envoy Witkoff at length this morning and I can assure all of you we continue to be in close communication with the Iranians and through our intermediaries as well, namely the Qataris, who have been an incredible ally and partner throughout this entire effort. As I said, this administration is always focused on diplomacy and peace, and we want to ensure we can get to a place where Iran agrees to a non-enrichment civil nuclear program." Her remarks follow after the US had conducted precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites under Operation 'Midnight Hammer'.
Mint
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Iran says Israel ran to ‘Daddy', warns it ‘will not hesitate' to unveil real power if provoked
Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said on Saturday that President Donald Trump should put aside the "disrespectful tone" towards Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei if the US wants to have a deal with Iran. Underscoring that Iran does not take it kindly to threats and insults, Aragchi said that Iran would not hesitate to unveil its real capabilities. "The complexity and tenacity of Iranians are famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience. But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny," Iranian Foreign Minister wrote on X. He added, "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers." "The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to "Daddy" to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults. If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any Delusion about the Power of Iran", the post further mentioned. He concluded his remarks by saying, 'Good will begets good will, and respect begets respect.' The remarks by the Iranian Foreign Minister come amid the backdrop of the US hinting towards talks with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (US local time) had said the Trump administration is focused on diplomacy and peace, adding that the US continues to remain in close communication with the Iranians. Addressing a press briefing, Leavitt said, "I spoke to our special envoy Witkoff at length this morning and I can assure all of you we continue to be in close communication with the Iranians and through our intermediaries as well, namely the Qataris, who have been an incredible ally and partner throughout this entire effort. As I said, this administration is always focused on diplomacy and peace, and we want to ensure we can get to a place where Iran agrees to a non-enrichment civil nuclear program." Her remarks follow after the US had conducted precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites under Operation 'Midnight Hammer'.
Mint
6 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
US strikes against Iran not aimed at regime change: Pentagon chief
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that the country's military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were not meant for regime change plans. The US has sent private messages to Tehran before the strikes, encouraging them to negotiate, Hegseth said. Hegseth also warned Iran against retaliation against the United States, and said US forces were postured to defend themselves, and take action if needed. "This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon. The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program, he said. In what has now been called Operation 'Midnight Hammer', the US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff US General Dan Cane said at the briefing that initial battle damage assessments indicated that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction, but he declined to speculate whether any Iranian nuclear capabilities might still be intact. The operation pushes the Middle East to the brink of a major new conflagration in a region already aflame for more than 20 months with wars in Gaza and Lebanon and a toppled dictator in Syria. Tehran has vowed to defend itself, and responded with a volley of missiles at Israel that wounded scores of people and destroyed buildings in its commercial hub Tel Aviv. But, perhaps in an effort to avert all-out war with the superpower, it had yet to carry out its main threats of retaliation - to target U.S. bases or choke off the quarter of the world's oil shipments that pass through its waters. The Iranian parliament approved closing the Hormuz strait, a potential choke point for oil shipments, but the country's top security body is required to make a final decision, Iran's press TV reported. Caine said the US military had increased protection of troops in the region, including in Iraq and Syria. This mission was not and has not been about regime change. "Our forces remain on high alert and are fully postured to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks, which would be an incredibly poor choice," Caine said. Key Takeaways The US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear capabilities without intentions of regime change. Operation 'Midnight Hammer' involved extensive military resources, indicating a serious commitment to US national interests. The situation remains volatile, with potential for further conflict in the region as Iran weighs its options for retaliation.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'When this president speaks, the world should listen': US briefs on Iran strikes codenamed 'Midnight Hammer'
The United States defence department on Sunday briefed the media on Operation 'Midnight Hammer', confirming its success in "obliterating" Iran's nuclear ambitions. It informed that US military conducted targeted strikes at Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz and the operation was being planned for "months". US secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, categorically hinted at Donald Trump's warnings against Iran's possession of nuclear weapon and said, "When this President speaks, the world should listen, and the US military, we can back it up." "When POTUS says 60 days that he seeks peace and negotiation, he means 60 days of peace and negotiation. Otherwise, that nuclear program, that nuclear capability will not exist. This is not the previous administration. President Trump said no nukes. He seeks peace and Iran should take that path," he added. Follow live updates on Iran-Israel crisis Here are key points from the briefing: Successful strikes: US defense secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed successful precision strikes on Iran's Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities, ordered by US President Trump. Strategic planning: The operation was the result of months and weeks of planning and coordination, particularly with Israel, indicating it was not a spontaneous decision. Coordinated effort with Israel: Hegseth credited Israel as a key ally in the operation, acknowledging their role in the joint preparation and execution of the mission. Mission objective: The goal was to destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program; Hegseth said the mission 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear ambitions. No regime change goal: Hegseth clarified that the mission was not aimed at regime change in Iran. No civilian targets: The operation specifically avoided targeting Iranian troops or civilians. Clear deterrence message: The operation was intended to reassert American deterrence and demonstrate that the US will act swiftly and decisively to protect its people, interests, and partners. Trump's longstanding warning: Hegseth emphasized Trump has warned Iran for over a decade against developing nuclear weapons, asserting this operation fulfilled that stance. Military strength: He highlighted the operation as proof of America's unmatched military capability and restored global deterrence. 'Bunker busters' used: The strike featured the longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001 and marked the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) — a powerful bunker-busting bomb designed to target deeply buried facilities. Iran's reaction: Iran condemned the strikes as illegal and vowed to continue its nuclear program despite the attack.
