Tensions Escalate: Iran Vows Retaliation Against US Airstrikes

On Sunday, West Asia expert and veteran journalist Waiel Awwad condemned the US-led airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, describing them as a 'provocative step' by President Donald Trump. He highlighted that Iran, as an ancient civilization, has the right to retaliate under international law, as per the UN Charter.

The airstrikes, conducted during the intervening hours of Saturday and Sunday, targeted key nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. The Fordow facility is noted as Iran's main location for uranium enrichment, reaching levels of up to 60 per cent purity. Reports indicate the use of six B-2 bombers to deploy a dozen GBU-57 A/B 'bunker buster' bombs.

In response to the destruction, President Trump issued a stark warning from the White House, suggesting that further action might ensue if Iran does not comply with diplomatic efforts for a peace settlement. He expressed a binary outcome, stating Iran faces either peace or significant tragedy.

(With inputs from agencies.)