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.

The entry and exit points of Fordow have been damaged in the US airstrikes, Iran's state broadcaster said.

"Fifty thousand US troops in the region are within Iran's range, and the Supreme Leader has promised we will win this war," an Iranian state TV presenter said.

"The battle has just begun, Mr. Trump! Now you talk of peace? We will deal with you in a way that makes you understand the consequences of recklessness," an Iranian presenter said in a state TV program in reaction to a post by Donald Trump that called for peace with Iran.