In a significant escalation of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the United States military launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday. President Trump, in a late-night address, declared the operation a "spectacular military success," asserting that the strikes had "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key nuclear enrichment sites. The targeted locations included Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, with the Fordow facility reportedly taking the brunt of the assault.
The strikes mark the first direct U.S. military action against Iran amidst the heightened conflict between Iran and Israel, which began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel. According to reports, the attack on Fordow involved the use of six 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs, specialized weapons designed to penetrate deeply buried and fortified structures.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that all three nuclear sites were hit in the attacks. While details about the extent of the damage are still emerging, Trump claimed that the facilities had been "obliterated." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that, as of now, there have been no reports of increased off-site radiation levels following the U.S. strikes. The agency has pledged to provide further assessments as more information becomes available.
The U.S. action has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers. Republicans, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, have largely voiced their support for the strikes, while some Democrats have criticized the President's decision to launch military action without Congressional authorization, calling it a violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.
In other news, a panel investigating the "cash in kothi" case involving Judge Yashwant Varma has raised concerns about an unidentified individual seen near the burnt currency sacks. The judges' committee, probing a fire at Justice Varma's residence that led to the discovery of a large amount of cash, has identified an "unidentified man" wearing a checkered shirt in a photo taken by first responders during the early hours of March 15. The panel suggests this individual may have collaborated with Justice Varma's staff to remove cash between 1 am and 7 am.
The panel gave particular attention to Justice Varma's daughter's conduct during the fire incident on March 14 night and her statements during deposition. According to the report, at least 10 witnesses claimed to have seen the burnt or half-burnt currency notes. The panel further noted that Justice Varma's conduct, after being apprised of the cash found at his home, was “unnatural”.
The committee, comprising Punjab & Haryana chief justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh CJ G S Sandhawalia and Karnataka HC's Justice Anu Sivaraman said at the time of the fire incident at the storeroom, Justice Varma's daughter, ailing mother (who was not questioned by the panel), Karki and the 'trusted' servants were present at the 30, Tughlaq Crescent bungalow.
