Iran must now 'make peace', says Trump after US strikes on nuclear sites

Summary

• The US has bombed Fordo and other nuclear sites in Iran
  In an address from the White House, Trump warned Iran must make peace or future attacks will be "far greater"
  He called the strikes on Fordo and and two other nuclear sites a "spectacular military success"
  Iranian state media says part of the Fordo site was "attacked by enemy strikes", however authorities are yet to confirm the extent of damage
• Earlier, Iran's foreign minister said US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict would be "very very dangerous" while in Istanbul to meet the Turkish president

Trump's message to Iran - negotiate or expect more strikes

Trump's message to the Iranian regime was short, simple and direct: come to the negotiating table, or more strikes will come.

"If they do not, future attacks will be far greater," he said. "And a lot easier."

In the lead-up to the attacks, Trump had repeatedly - at least publicly - left room for negotiations to continue.

Now, he continues to leave the path open, but with the threat of further American strikes looming over Iran's leadership.

"There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," he said.

Notably, Trump did not explicitly mention the possibility of regime change in Tehran. Instead, he made it clear the US considers the operation largely over. But if - and only if - Iran comes to the table.

The US has moved considerable military assets to the region, which suggests, as Trump noted, that the US is ready to move extremely quickly if the president so chooses.

Israel and US worked as 'a team'

Trump says thousands were killed by Iran's former military commander Qasem Soleimani.

"I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen, it will not continue."

He also congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they worked as a "team" to erase this "horrible threat to Israel".

Trump remarks lasted for about four minutes.

BBC