Trump says U.S. strikes caused 'monumental damage' to Iran's nuclear sites

The U.S. launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities this past weekend and Donald Trump asserts the attacks caused substantial damage.

Kim Jung-sil has the latest.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the damage to Iran's nuclear sites 'monumental' in a Truth Social post on Sunday night, reiterating his earlier claim that they had been 'obliterated.'

Satellite images show craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at Isfahan and Natanz.

The U.S. "Operation Midnight Hammer" involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine.

President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening from the White House.

"Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace."

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities were evacuated before the bombs hit.

The strikes were carried out just days after President Trump's initial announcement of a two-week window to decide on military action.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done."

"I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done."

Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure.

He added that if Iran persists in becoming a nuclear power, it would put "the regime at risk."

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint on Sunday, warning that the U.S. strikes could lead to further escalation and calling for diplomacy to avoid more violence.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.