Trump says future attacks on Iran will be far greater if no peace agreed

"Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome might of the United States will change history. In Operation Rising Line, Israel has done truly amazing things," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday.

"But in tonight's action against Iran's nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons," he added.

"His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace. President Trump and I often say, peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace."

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran lambasted the US bombing of its nuclear sites, in a strident first official reaction which stopped well short of pledging a counterattack.

"Following the brutal attacks by the Zionist enemy over the past few days, Iran’s nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan came under a savage assault in the early hours of today—an act in blatant violation of international law," the state body said.

"This action, which contravenes international norms, has unfortunately taken place under the indifference—or even complicity—of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

"The American enemy, through the U.S. president’s public statements on social media, has claimed responsibility for the attacks on these sites ...The global community is expected to condemn these lawless acts rooted in the logic of the jungle and support Iran in asserting its legitimate rights," it added.

"The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran assures the great Iranian nation that despite the malicious conspiracies of the enemies, it will not allow the development of this national industry—built on the blood of our nuclear martyrs—to be halted, thanks to the dedication of thousands of revolutionary and motivated scientists and experts."

It also threatened potential legal action.

"Good. This was the right call," US Senator Lindsey Graham said.

"The regime deserves it. Well done, President @realDonaldTrump. To my fellow citizens: We have the best Air Force in the world."

Republicans have generally urged a hard line on Iran. Most consistently back Israeli military operations in the region and have been vocal critics of Tehran's policies.

Texas congressman Dan Crenshaw urged people to back Trump: Support President Trump. You think these decisions were easy? They weren’t. You think this means WW3? You’re wrong. You think it means American soldiers deploying to Iran? You’re wrong."

"You think it means long term stability in the Middle East and a safer future for Americans? You’re right. Because the regime that wanted ‘Death to the Great Satan’ is at its end."

Democrats have been reticent about Trump's two-month-old diplomatic effort with Iran, quietly backing its goal to deprive Iran of a nuclear weapon capability.

But criticism of a potential attack by Democrats had ramped up in recent days and early condemnation by party members was sharp.

"Trump is acting fully outside of his authority and is once again trampling on the Constitution. This is an illegal and terrifying escalation," Representative Summer Lee said.

"Dropping bombs on Iran brings us closer to war, not peace, and he is putting millions of lives at stake. Congress must immediately pass our War Powers Resolution to rein him in."

"This is insane," Massachusetts Democratic representative Jim McGovern spluttered.

"Trump just bombed Iran without Congressional approval, illegally dragging us into war in the Middle East. Have we not learned our lesson!?!?"

A rare maverick on the Democratic side is Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman, among the chamber's biggest backers of Israel.

"As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS. Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities," he said.

"I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world."

"A few hours ago, after the activation of Qom's air defense and the identification of hostile targets, part of the area surrounding the Fordow nuclear site came under enemy aerial attack," said the crisis management chief of Qom in central Iran.

Air defense systems were activated earlier today in the cities of Isfahan and Kashan in response to the detection of hostile targets, said Isfahan’s deputy governor for security affairs.

The official confirmed that multiple explosions were heard in both Isfahan and Natanz around the same time.“We witnessed hostile incursions near the nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz."