Israel cleared path for US bombers ahead of Iran strike - Axios

Israel does not anticipate a drastic response from Iran following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Times of Israel reported citing an Israeli official on Sunday.

“We expect more of the same, like what they’ve done this morning,” the official was quoted as saying.

The official added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed of the US operation “at least 24 hours before” the attack.

Israel is prepared to halt its bombing campaign if Iran agrees to dismantle its nuclear program. “It depends on Iran, not on us,” the official said. “We are happy to wrap it up now. If there’s an agreement at the end, Israel will be content with the result.”

British, German and French leaders have urged Iran not to further destabilize the region following US strikes, according to a joint statement issued Sunday.

“We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program,” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron said.

“We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties. We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilize the region.”

US strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site did not destroy the facility but severely damaged it, the New York Times reported citing unnamed US and Israeli officials.

It appeared Iran had moved equipment, including uranium, from the site, the report cited the officials as saying.

Even twelve bunker-busting bombs could not destroy the site, an unnamed senior US official said.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said on Sunday it would form a ministerial contact group to engage with international and regional actors to support de-escalation efforts and “stop the aggression against Iran.”

In a joint statement following a meeting of foreign ministers in Istanbul, the 57-member group condemned “the aggression of Israel” but made no reference to overnight US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the OIC's General Secretariat expressed "deep concern" over US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

"The US strikes are a dangerous escalation that could lead to heightened tensions and threaten regional security, peace, and stability," the statement read.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that if Tehran retaliates against US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, “it'll be the worst mistake they've ever made.”

Speaking to Fox News, he added that the United States is not looking for war in Iran.

The US top diplomat said Iran has highly enriched uranium in sufficient quantities in order to make at least nine or 10 nuclear bombs.

"They had it all in place, now not so much," he added.