Netanyahu says Iran campaign near its goal
Israel is very close to completing its goal of removing the dual threats of Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear programme, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
He promised not to let Israel be dragged into a war of attrition but also said he would not end the Iran campaign prematurely.
He said Iran's Fordow nuclear site had been very badly damaged by U.S. bunker-buster bombs overnight but the extent of damage remained to be seen. Tehran has vowed to defend itself at all costs.
Meanwhile Iran reserves all options to defend its security, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, adding that Tehran could not return to diplomacy while under attack by Israel and the United States.
Speaking in Istanbul, Araqchi said Tehran was weighing its options for retaliation and would consider diplomacy only after carrying out its response to U.S. strikes on nuclear sites.
The Iranian foreign minister said he would fly to Russia, with whom Iran has a strategic partnership, and consult with President Vladimir Putin.
Tehran responded with a volley of missiles at Israel that wounded scores of people and destroyed buildings in its commercial hub Tel Aviv.
Israel launched its offensive against Iran with a surprise attack on June 13.
Iranian authorities say over 400 people have been killed since Israel's attacks began, mostly civilians. In Israel, at least 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian retaliatory missiles and drone strikes, according to local authorities.
Satellite images captured showed the aftermath of U.S. strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear technology centre and the Natanz enrichment facility.
According to space technology company Maxar Technologies, at Natanz a 5.5 meter diameter crater could be seen in the dirt that covers part of the underground complex.
After days of deliberation and long before his self-imposed two-week deadline, Trump's decision to join Israel's military campaign against its major rival Iran represents a major escalation of the conflict.
