Latest news with #TLAM
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Gen. Wesley Clark: This is the moment for American leadership in Middle East. We can't miss it.
Iran's long-standing quest for nuclear weapons was at least set back for many months, and probably several years. This is the moment for American leadership. After 12 days of Israeli air strikes, Iran's air defenses were largely disabled, above-ground nuclear facilities destroyed, and much of its ballistic missile production and launch capacity wrecked. Nevertheless, Iranian retaliation caused destruction and loss of life in Israel. Then the U.S. entered the fight on the evening of June 21. Iran's three principal, known nuclear enrichment sites, were pounded and penetrated with 14 of the 30,000 Massive Ordnance Penetrators and more than two dozen sea-launched cruise missiles. By the early morning of June 24, Iran and Israel had agreed a ceasefire in the destructive campaign each was waging against the other. It was a triumphant moment for President Donald J. Trump, under whose direction the U.S. armed forces had launched the largest, most complex stealth bomber and TLAM strikes ever undertaken. Iran's long-standing quest for nuclear weapons was at least set back for many months, and probably several years. Many parties had much to gain from the ceasefire: Crown prince of Iran: Israel weakened Iran regime. World must help finish the job | Opinion What happens now for Iran and the rest of the world? But now what? Israel has been highly successful in the use of military force over many decades in the region – from the 1948 war of independence, through the 1956 war in Sinai, the 1967 preemptive war against Egypt, Jordan and Syria, the 1973 war, the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, strikes against the PLO in Tunisia in 1985, and later operations in Lebanon and Gaza. U.S. military action in the Gulf War in 1991 and the invasion of Iraq in 2003 were also highly successful. At this time, Israel, with U.S. help, has stripped Iran of its protective shields of Hezbollah and Hamas, and Iran, without effective air defenses, is laid bare. But outstanding military operations are not sufficient – they must be followed by successful work to end the roots of the conflict. Not once has this happened in the Middle East. Hatred, resentment, anger, terrorism and war have become endemic to the region. This is the moment to end the pattern of continuing conflict. But that requires new appreciation among the leaders in the region of the realities underscored by this latest bout of conflict. Iran, you're not going to have a nuclear bomb, no matter what. And if you continue to seek it, your regime will be defeated along with the destruction of your country. Israel, you cannot continue to use force with impunity – even with the best technology, your own people are vulnerable. To others in the region: Israel and the Palestinians are both permanently in the region; and with all due respect to the different religion, sects, and ethnicities at play, and the pain of history, both must be accommodated, accepted, and, ultimately, embraced as part of a thriving and prosperous Middle East. If there was ever a moment for fundamental change within the region, this is it. The world has come face to face with the potential of a spiraling conflict. Many of the Gulf States have achieved unprecedented wealth and are on the path to world-leading economic, social and technical advances. The region is still and will likely remain the center of global energy production, distribution and investment. There is everything to gain from seizing this moment. Gen. Wesley Clark: Trump needs to push Putin hard to end war in Ukraine – now | Opinion This is the moment for American leadership But how to proceed? Based on the model followed by President Clinton in dealing with the Balkans in the 1990's, it is best to start with a set of principles agreed upon objectively, by those outside the conflict but with the influence and will to deal with the respective parties. The principles must be fair and practicable. It required many weeks of shuttle diplomacy for the much simpler issues in the Balkans, and then, ultimately a 78-day air campaign by NATO in parallel with Presidential-level mediation by outside parties. In all, it entailed more than five years of continuous effort by the United States. In this region, the issues are deeper and more complex, but certainly among the principles, Iran must renounce its efforts, overt and covert, to destroy the state of Israel, and Israel must respect the rights of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to govern and develop their own self-governing state. Terrorism against Israel must be halted. Countries in the region must participate in rebuilding the Palestinian homeland in the West Bank and Gaza. Sanctions against Iran will be lifted, and Iran will be provided the materials it needs for peaceful nuclear energy. Progress must be phased and accompanied by confidence-building measures. Perhaps the Abraham Accords will be fully implemented, and the U.S. will provide a security umbrella for all in the region. International organizations will no doubt remain part of the solution. Perhaps Russia and China, and other interested parties will be invited as observers. Iran today is a wounded tiger. Maybe 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium is still available, maybe some other country will provide nuclear weapons or materials. Revenge will be sought. We cannot permit the next conflict – it could well go 'nuclear.' So neglect or failure are not options. This is the moment for American leadership. It is the moment for President Trump to exercise his broader vision for strategic realignment of the region, and in so doing, to end the Middle East as a cockpit for continuing conflict. Wesley K. Clark is a retired four-star general who served as commander of U.S. Southern Command and then as commander of U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
5 facts about Tomahawk missiles used by US in strike against Iran
Tomahawk missiles played a central role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the US military operation that targeted Iran's main nuclear facilities over the weekend. On Saturday, June 22, the United States launched 30 Tomahawk missiles alongside six 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs to strike nuclear sites in Iran, including the Fordo facility. The attack came as part of the US helping Israel in its conflict with Iran to destroy Tehran's nuclear facilities. The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the US Navy. According to a report by Fox News, the missiles were fired from US Navy submarines located 400 miles away. The operation marked the latest major use of Tomahawk cruise missiles by the US, which were previously deployed in Syria under Trump's presidency in 2017. Also read: Iran Israel war news LIVE updates: US says Iran strikes were 'intentionally limited' and 'not open-ended' Here are five key facts about Tomahawk missiles: 1. Tomahawks are sea-launched long-range missiles The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the US Navy. It is launched from ships or submarines through a Vertical Launch System and used for precision strikes on land-based targets. 2. Designed for stealth and accuracy Tomahawks can fly at low altitudes, avoiding radar detection, and are guided by advanced GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain contour mapping. This makes them highly accurate-with a margin of error of just 10 meters. They are built to follow a non-linear path, reducing the chance of interception. 3. First used during the Gulf War Tomahawks were first deployed in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Since then, they have been used in several major conflicts, including strikes in Syria in 2017. 4. Capable of long-distance attacks These missiles have a range between 1,000 and 1,500 miles (1,550 to 2,500 km). In the Iran strike, they were launched from submarines located approximately 400 miles away from the target sites. 5. Each missile costs around $2 million Tomahawks measure 18.3 feet in length and weigh about 3,200 pounds (4,400 with booster). They carry a 1,000-pound conventional warhead or cluster munitions. Iran has condemned the US action as 'savage military aggression' against peaceful nuclear facilities. FAQs What is a Tomahawk missile? The Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the US Navy, designed for precise land attacks from ships and submarines. How far can a Tomahawk missile travel? Tomahawk missiles have a range of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 miles (1,550 to 2,500 km), depending on the variant. How are Tomahawk missiles launched? They are launched from US Navy surface ships or submarines using the Vertical Launch System (VLS). How much does one Tomahawk missile cost? Each Tomahawk missile reportedly costs around $2 million.
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Hope it will lead to a better future for Middle East": Israeli President thanks US after "precision" strikes in Iran
Tel Aviv [Israel], June 22 (ANI): Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, thanked US President Donald Trump for the 'brave step' taken by the United States of America in conducting strikes on three nuclear sites of Iran. Herzog said that the strikes show how the principles of 'liberty, responsibility and security' have triumphed, with the American action resulting as a brave step towards the security and safety of the world. He expressed hope that the action would help fasten the release of Israeli hostages and lead to a better future in West Asia. Herzog wrote on X, 'In the pages of human history, this is a moment when the principles of liberty, responsibility, and security have triumphed. A decisive moment between the axis of terror and evil and the axis of hope. Thank you, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. Thank you, United States of America. This brave step serves the security and safety of the entire free world. I hope it will lead to a better future for the Middle East -- and help advance the urgent release of our hostages held in captivity in Gaza.' \ His remarks follow after Trump announced that United States conducted 'massive precision strikes' on the three key nuclear facilities in Iran- Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Trump also threatened of retaliation if peace is not achieved soon in Iran. The Embassy of Iran in India acknowledged that the sites had been hit and called it 'savage aggression--an act in violation of international laws', stressing particularly on the NPT. It further accused the the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of indifference and complicity and said that it expects the international community to condemn these actions. As per a report in the CNN citing a US official, the US used six B-2 bombers to drop a dozen 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear site. Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at two other sites, Natanz and Isfahan, and a B2 dropped two bunker busters on Natanz. The underground site at Fordow and the larger Natanz plant were Iran's two primary uranium enrichment facilities, out of which Natanz had already been hit by Israel with smaller weapons earlier in the week, the New York Times reported. The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US now joining in support of Israel. The conflict started after Israel, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion.' In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, 'Operation True Promise 3', targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. (ANI)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
After Iran strikes, Trump warns of more action if 'peace not achieved soon'
US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran of further military action if peace is not achieved in the region. He made the remarks in his first public statement since the "precision" strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities--Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan by the US on Saturday (US local time). In his address from the White House, Trump said, "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." Stating that the other sites can be taken out in "a matter of minutes", Trump praised the military prowess of America in his speech. "Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There's no military in the world that couldn've done what we did tonight, not even close. There has never been a military that can do what took place just a little while ago." Trump announced that Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine will hold a press conference on Sunday (US local time) at the Pentagon. Trump thanked the "military minds" involved in the attack." I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done and most importantly I want to congratulate great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight, and all of the United States' military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades. Hopefully we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that so." Trump's announcement comes just two days after he said that he had opened a two-week window for diplomacy. Hours ahead of his remarks, the US President took to his Truth Social platform to state that the US had bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities and in his address from the White House on Saturday night (local time), Trump said those facilities "have been completely and totally obliterated" thereby meeting the objective to stop the "nuclear threat". In his concluding remarks, Trump said, "I want to thank everybody and in particular god, I just want to say, we love you god and we love our great military, protect them. God bless the Middle East, god blesses you and God bless America." As per a report in the CNN which cited a US official, the US used six B-2 bombers to drop a dozen "bunker buster" bombs on the Fordow nuclear site. Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at two other sites, Natanz and Isfahan, and a B2 dropped two bunker busters on Natanz, the official said. The underground site at Fordow and the larger Natanz plant were Iran's two primary uranium enrichment facilities, out of which Natanz had already been hit by Israel with smaller weapons earlier in the week, the New York Times reported. The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US now joining in support of Israel. The conflict started after Israel, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion." In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, 'Operation True Promise 3', targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is Tomahawk missile? US's primary weapon behind bombing of Iran's nuclear sites
President Donald Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity that the US 'completely obliterated' Iran's Fordow nuclear site with six massive 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs and used 30 Tomahawk missiles, launched from US submarines 400 miles away, to hit two other facilities. The president revealed details soon after announcing on Truth Social that the US had conducted strikes in Iran amid its conflict with Israel. US used Tomahawk missiles to strike Iran on Saturday(Unsplash) The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the US Navy for precision strikes against land and sea targets. First used in combat during the 1991 Gulf War, it is launched from surface ships and submarines via the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System. The missile reportedly costs about $2 million each and measures 18.3 feet long, weighs 3,200 pounds (4,400 with booster), and carries a 1,000-pound conventional warhead or cluster munitions. It travels at 550 mph (Mach 0.74), with a range of 1,550–2,500 kilometers (1,000–1,500 miles), guided by GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain contour matching for accuracy within 10 meters. Read More: Iran's Fordo was 'evacuated', damages are 'not irreversible': First details after US strikes on nuclear sites Trump thanks Netanyahu President Trump said he worked 'as a team' with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran in an address hours after the bombings. Speaking about a threat of future strikes, the 78-year-old said: 'If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier." 'For 40 years Iran has been saying death to America, death to Israel,' Trump said. 'They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs.' Read More: Will Iran retaliate against US strikes on nuclear sites? Here's what experts say amid World War fears 'I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight, and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades,' he added.
