US officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper, have discussed the military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which was carried out by the United States last night. The operation aimed to severely degrade and/or destroy three nuclear sites controlled by the Iranian regime.
According to Secretary of State Pompeo, the US has achieved its objective in destroying the three nuclear sites, including one with 60% enriched uranium, which is sufficient for a nuclear power plant. However, the official noted that Iran still has the ability to produce highly enriched uranium and other components needed for a nuclear weapon.
"We have everything you need to make a nuclear weapon," Pompeo said. "They have the enrichment capability, they have highly enriched uranium in sufficient quantities to make at least nine or 10 bombs."
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper emphasized that the US has the capabilities to deal with any Iranian aggression and will respond accordingly. He also noted that the operation was executed with extraordinary skill and demonstrated the US military's capabilities.
The officials did not comment on whether China was complicit in the operation, but Secretary of State Pompeo mentioned that Chinese nationals may have been on the jets that flew into Iran.
Pompeo emphasized that the US will work to negotiate a peaceful resolution with Iran, but warned that any further aggression from the regime will be met with devastating consequences.
"We had three objectives," Pompeo said. "We struck those three objectives with decisive force. And that was the point of this mission and that's what we achieved."
The officials also discussed the potential for Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, in an attempt to disrupt oil transportation across the world.
"We would encourage the Chinese Government in Beijing to call them about that," Esper said. "It would be economic suicide for them if they do it."
The US military operation was carried out with remarkable precision and skill, Pompeo noted, and demonstrated the capabilities of the US military.
"The operation was flawless, it was perfect, it was executed with extraordinary skill and I think demonstrates the capabilities we have," Pompeo said.
In a statement, Secretary of State Pompeo praised the bravery and professionalism of the US service members who carried out the operation.
"We are grateful for the heroism and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who risked their lives to take out these critical targets," he said.
The strike was widely condemned by Iran's government, with President Hassan Rouhani vowing to retaliate against the US.
"This is a very big mistake. It will be considered as a war," Rouhani said.
However, Pompeo and Esper dismissed any concerns about an escalation of tensions between the US and Iran.
"We have options available that are devastating," Esper said.
The situation remains tense, with both sides facing significant risks and uncertainties in the aftermath of the operation.