Trump Claims U.S. ‘Totally Destroyed’ Iranian Nuclear Sites in Weekend Strikes
As tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to commend the recent U.S. assaults on Iranian nuclear installations. Trump’s message highlighted that the targeted sites were “totally destroyed,” reinforcing that the impact of these attacks was widely recognized.
The President criticized “the Fake News” for allegedly downplaying the significance of the strikes, specifically calling out “NBC Fake News.” He expressed his frustration, stating, “It never ends with the sleazebags in the Media, and that’s why their Ratings are at an ALL TIME LOW — ZERO CREDIBILITY!”
– Laya Neelakandan
Iran Claims Missile Attack on Al-Udeid Base Mirrors U.S. Strikes
According to a statement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country asserted that the number of missiles fired in their retaliation matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. on Iranian sites over the weekend. The council further noted that the Al-Udeid base is situated away from populated areas in Qatar.
— Megan Cassella
Kuwait and Egypt Halt Air Travel Amid Rising Tensions
Kuwait Airways announced the suspension of all outgoing flights as a precaution amid regional tensions, indicating that the halt will continue indefinitely. The airline made this announcement via a post on X.
Similarly, EgyptAir declared that flights to and from cities within the Persian Gulf would remain canceled “until the situation stabilizes.” These flight suspensions followed Qatar’s earlier decision to close its airspace prior to Iran’s missile launch against the U.S. base. Additionally, Bahrain has also temporarily suspended air traffic.
– Laya Neelakandan
U.S. Intelligence Confirms Iran Did Not Move Nuclear Materials Before Attacks
Senator Markwayne Mullin shared insights from U.S. intelligence indicating that Iran did not relocate nuclear materials from its Fordo facility ahead of the U.S. strike on Saturday. This statement contradicts earlier reports from unnamed Israeli officials suggesting that Iran had moved materials before the attacks on three nuclear sites.
“Our intelligence report says they didn’t,” Mullin stated. He further emphasized that, contrary to earlier claims, Iran may have even increased its stockpile at Fordo, believing it to be an impregnable location.
Read Dan Mangan’s full report on Mullins’ interview here.
– Josephine Rozzelle
Airlines Cancel and Divert Flights as Conflict Escalates
In response to the closing of Qatar’s airspace and growing regional conflict, airlines have begun diverting additional flights within the Middle East. Several flights were seen turning around near the airspace of the United Arab Emirates, with reports confirming the closure of UAE airspace.
Numerous major airlines have also reduced services to significant hubs like Doha and Dubai, while offering travel vouchers to passengers looking to reschedule trips due to the ongoing conflict.
Read the full story here.
— Leslie Josephs
No Casualties Reported in Missile Attack
Reports indicate that the missile attack on the Al-Udeid military base has resulted in no deaths or injuries, according to statements released by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense.
— Megan Cassella
Qatar Strongly Condemns Missile Attacks and Confirms Successful Interception
Qatar’s government has condemned the missile attacks on Al-Udeid air base, deeming them a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed that the nation’s defenses effectively intercepted the Iranian missiles.
He revealed that the military base had been evacuated prior to the assault in anticipation of rising tensions and confirmed that there were no reported injuries or casualties from the missile fire.
Al Ansari also stated, “Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent to this brazen aggression, in line with international law.”
— Erin Doherty
Stock Markets React Positively to Limited Missile Attacks
As the stock market remains positive in light of the Iranian missile attacks, investors perceive the retaliation as a limited response rather than indicative of larger conflict. The alternative scenario, targeting oil infrastructure or tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, could have drastically altered traders’ outlook.
Oil prices dipped after initially rising, reflecting market sentiments around the nature of Iran’s response.
— Christina Wilkie
Trump Holds Meeting with National Security Team
This afternoon, President Trump convened a meeting with his national security team to discuss recent developments. A White House official confirmed that the team was already in the Situation Room at the time Iranian missiles were fired at U.S. military installations.
Trump’s meeting included Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and other senior officials.
— Christina Wilkie
Qatar Reports Successful Interception of Iranian Missiles
— Christina Wilkie
