The prolonged Iran war is putting growing pressure on the US military’s weapons stockpile, with reports indicating significant losses of drones and the rapid use of key munitions.

According to the report cited in the segment, the US military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, roughly a quarter of its fleet. The losses come alongside heavy expenditure of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot interceptors and other long-range weapons.

The depletion is raising questions over US military readiness, future operations and Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict. Analysts are also warning that replenishing some advanced weapons could take considerable time.

Meanwhile, reports surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have added another layer of pressure, although US military officials have disputed claims of deaths aboard the carrier.

As weapons stocks decline and public concerns grow, the Iran war is becoming an increasingly difficult test for the Trump administration.

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The prolonged Iran war is putting growing pressure on the US military’s weapons stockpile, with reports indicating significant losses of drones and the rapid use of key munitions.

According to the report cited in the segment, the US military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, roughly a quarter of its fleet. The losses come alongside heavy expenditure of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot interceptors and other long-range weapons.

The depletion is raising questions over US military readiness, future operations and Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict. Analysts are also warning that replenishing some advanced weapons could take considerable time.

Meanwhile, reports surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have added another layer of pressure, although US military officials have disputed claims of deaths aboard the carrier.

Iran War Drains US Weapons Stockpile | Trump Faces Growing Military Pressure | GRAVITAS

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

The attacks come as Washington expands its military footprint in the region, with tens of thousands of troops now deployed.

'900 kg bunker busters hit Isfahan': Why does US keep striking Iran’s most sensitive site, what lies beneath it?

They are particularly effective against fixed targets such as ballistic missile production facilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters and air-defence installations.

The cruise missile behind Iran strikes: What made Tomahawk missiles the US’s first-strike weapon in Iran?

A Tomahawk missile hit a girls' school in Iran in the initial days of the attack, killing 168. The United States refused to take the blame, as did Israel. Donald Trump even stated at one point that it was Iran who misfired and killed the innocent victims. He later tried to pin the blame on Israel. However, he has now changed his stance, neither admitting nor dismissing reports that it was a US Tomahawk that murdered the Iranian girls. He told reporters on Monday night that the Tomahawk is "sold and used by other countries" and Iran "also has some Tomahawks." The president said, "Whether it's Iran or somebody else ... a Tomahawk is very generic." But is Tomahawk that common?&nbsp;The missile is primarily owned and operated by the United States Navy, with the US Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps also occasionally using it. The United Kingdom is an ally that uses Tomahawk missiles, but is not a part of the war. Raytheon manufactures and sells the missile to allied countries like Japan and Australia. However, there is no evidence that Iran has access to the missile.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-strike-on-girls-school-was-done-by-iran-calls-fallen-troops-return-a-very-sad-day-says-us-winning-the-war-by-a-lot-1772920275441">Trump: Strike on girls school was 'done by Iran'; calls fallen troops’ return a 'very sad day', says US 'winning the war by a lot'</a><h2>Fact checker shows the US is the only one in the Iran war that owns Tomahawk missiles</h2>Newly released videos suggest that apparently it was a US Tomahawk that crashed into the school. A conflict researcher with Dutch fact-checking group Bellingcat shared previously unseen footage of the missile hitting a building in the Revolutionary Guard Corps compound in Minab. Trevor Ball wrote in the X post, with footage from Iran's Mehr News showing "for the first time, that the United States (had) struck the area". &nbsp;&nbsp;What Trump said on Tomahawk missiles

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RAJU: Footage shows an American missile likely destroyed the Iranian girls&#39; school. Will the US accept any respons-- TRUMP: Well, I haven&#39;t seen it. I will say that the Tomahawk, which is one of the most powerful weapons around, is sold and used by other countries. Iran has some… <a href="https://t.co/03NLQ8flhO">pic.twitter.com/03NLQ8flhO</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/2031131823049216084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bell pointed out, "The US is the only participant in the war that is known to have Tomahawk missiles. Israel is not known to have Tomahawk missiles." The video also compared the missile that struck the building in the IRGC compound with a closer view of another Tomahawk. What further adds weight to the video is that it had been geolocated, which means the location has been digitally corroborated. The video shows the missile hitting the building in the IRGC compound, with smoke rising in the back from the girls' school struck moments earlier.&nbsp;Video of Tomahawk missiles

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New video footage shows a US Tomahawk missile hitting an IRGC facility in Minab, Iran, on Feb 28, showing for the first time that the US struck the area. The footage also shows smoke already rising from the vicinity of the girls’ school, where 175 people were reportedly killed. <a href="https://t.co/4jBXrNcRJO">pic.twitter.com/4jBXrNcRJO</a>&mdash; Trevor Ball (@Easybakeovensz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Easybakeovensz/status/2030700313267540435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-strike-iran-trump-iran-war-will-end-soon-wion-1773111605451/embed<h2>US blamed Iran for missile attack on girls school in Minab</h2>On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hundreds of missiles rained down, and Minab was one area that was targeted. Here, a missile exploded near the Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, killing innocent students. &nbsp;US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a few days later, "All I can say is that we're investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we're taking a look and investigating that." Trump blamed Iran while talking to reporters on Air Force One. "We think it was done by Iran. Because they are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever." The school strikes have received widespread criticism from human rights groups, the United Nations and general public across the world.&nbsp;

Donald Trump has said that the Tomahawk missiles are “very generic”. However, this claim is not true, and the US is the primary country that manufactures, owns and operates these missiles. Israel does not have Tomahawk, a fact-checking website has stated. 

A Tomahawk missile hit a girls' school in Iran in the initial days of the attack, killing 168. The United States refused to take the blame, as did Israel. Donald Trump even stated at one point that it was Iran who misfired and killed the innocent victims. He later tried to pin the blame on Israel. However, he has now changed his stance, neither admitting nor dismissing reports that it was a US Tomahawk that murdered the Iranian girls. He told reporters on Monday night that the Tomahawk is "sold and used by other countries" and Iran "also has some Tomahawks." The president said, "Whether it's Iran or somebody else ... a Tomahawk is very generic." But is Tomahawk that common? The missile is primarily owned and operated by the United States Navy, with the US Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps also occasionally using it. The United Kingdom is an ally that uses Tomahawk missiles, but is not a part of the war. Raytheon manufactures and sells the missile to allied countries like Japan and Australia. However, there is no evidence that Iran has access to the missile. Also Read: Trump: Strike on girls school was 'done by Iran'; calls fallen troops’ return a 'very sad day', says US 'winning the war by a lot' Fact checker shows the US is the only one in the Iran war that owns Tomahawk missiles Newly released videos suggest that apparently it was a US Tomahawk that crashed into the school. A conflict researcher with Dutch fact-checking group Bellingcat shared previously unseen footage of the missile hitting a building in the Revolutionary Guard Corps compound in Minab. Trevor Ball wrote in the X post, with footage from Iran's Mehr News showing "for the first time, that the United States (had) struck the area". What Trump said on Tomahawk missiles

Donald Trump has said that the Tomahawk missiles are “very generic” and even “Iran has some”. However, this claim is not true, and the US is the primary country that manufactures, owns and operates these missiles. Israel does not have Tomahawk, a fact-checking website has stated.&nbsp;

Fact Check: Trump says Tomahawk missile is 'very generic' and even 'Iran has some'. Is it really?

A video circulating online appears to show a U.S. Tomahawk missile strike near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility in the Iranian town of Minab. The strike reportedly occurred close to the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school, where Iranian officials say around 170–175 people, most of them children, were killed.


US-Iran War: Video Shows US Hit IRGC Facility Near School; 175 Mostly Children Killed

For the initial wave of attacks, the US military deployed a wide array of air and naval assets and a diverse arsenal of precision and long-range weapons, marking one of the most concentrated demonstrations of American military power in the region in recent decades.

B‑2 bomber, F‑35s, Patriot & THAAD: A complete list of US assets that hit 1,250+ Iranian targets in 48 hours of ‘Epic Fury’

#Gravitas Amid tensions with China and in the Taiwan Strait, Japan reportedly wants its own long-range strike missile similar to America's Tomahawk missiles. A prototype cruise missile has been designed to test the technologies behind this potential future Japanese strike weapon.  


China Threat Pushes Japan to Prepare Its Own Tomahawks

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 2) once again voiced his reluctance against giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He told reporters that he was not considering a deal to sell the long-range missiles to Kyiv for use against Russia, signalling continued caution about deepening American involvement in the conflict.<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump was asked if he was open to selling Tomahawk missiles to NATO allies who could then transfer them to Kyiv. "No, not really," he replied, though he added that he could change his mind in the future.Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after meeting with Trump at the White House, revealed that the POTUS said that the missile delivery would not align with "America’s interests," though he did not elaborate on what that meant.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-yes-not-no-zelensky-reveals-trump-said-ukrainian-request-for-tomahawk-missiles-doesn-t-aling-with-america-s-interests-1760840151534">‘Not yes, not no’: Zelensky reveals Trump said Ukrainian request for Tomahawk missiles doesn't align with 'America’s interests'</a>The Tomahawk proposal has been under discussion since Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on October 22. Rutte later said the idea was being reviewed, but emphasised that the final decision rested with Washington.<h2>Tomahawk missiles</h2>The missiles in question are capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles) away — a range that would allow Ukraine to hit deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. Kyiv has long sought such weapons, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arguing they are vital to counter Russia's continued missile barrages and to push back against entrenched positions.Moscow, however, has warned the US that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would mark a major escalation and provoke "serious consequences." Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, has previously warned, "The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone. And most of all, for Trump himself."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-test-underground-where-no-one-knows-trump-accuses-russia-china-of-secret-nuclear-testing-1762141529429">‘They test underground where no one knows’: Trump accuses Russia, China of secret nuclear testing</a>The Kremlin has repeatedly accused the West of crossing red lines with arms transfers. The United States has already provided Ukraine with advanced air defence systems, precision artillery, and long-range ATACMS missiles under earlier aid packages.&nbsp;

Trump has ruled out selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, saying he’s “not really” considering it for now. The missiles can strike 2,500 km, reaching deep into Russia. 

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 2) once again voiced his reluctance against giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He told reporters that he was not considering a deal to sell the long-range missiles to Kyiv for use against Russia, signalling continued caution about deepening American involvement in the conflict. What did Trump say? Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump was asked if he was open to selling Tomahawk missiles to NATO allies who could then transfer them to Kyiv. "No, not really," he replied, though he added that he could change his mind in the future. Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after meeting with Trump at the White House, revealed that the POTUS said that the missile delivery would not align with "America’s interests," though he did not elaborate on what that meant. Also read | ‘Not yes, not no’: Zelensky reveals Trump said Ukrainian request for Tomahawk missiles doesn't align with 'America’s interests' The Tomahawk proposal has been under discussion since Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on October 22. Rutte later said the idea was being reviewed, but emphasised that the final decision rested with Washington. Tomahawk missiles The missiles in question are capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles) away — a range that would allow Ukraine to hit deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. Kyiv has long sought such weapons, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arguing they are vital to counter Russia's continued missile barrages and to push back against entrenched positions. Moscow, however, has warned the US that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would mark a major escalation and provoke "serious consequences." Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, has previously warned, "The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone. And most of all, for Trump himself." Also read | ‘They test underground where no one knows’: Trump accuses Russia, China of secret nuclear testing The Kremlin has repeatedly accused the West of crossing red lines with arms transfers. The United States has already provided Ukraine with advanced air defence systems, precision artillery, and long-range ATACMS missiles under earlier aid packages.

Trump has ruled out selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, saying he’s “not really” considering it for now. The missiles can strike 2,500 km, reaching deep into Russia.&nbsp;

Is US considering selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine via NATO? 'No, not really,' says Trump

Trump Says He’s Not Considering Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine 

President Donald Trump said he plans to discuss new capabilities that would allow Kyiv to strike deeper into Russia in a meeting underway now at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump signaled interest in Zelensky’s proposed trade of Ukrainian drones for long-range Tomahawk missiles, though he indicated he had not yet made up his mind.

Trump-Zelensky Meet: US President Calls on Ukraine, Russia To 'Stop Where They Are'

President Donald Trump said he plans to discuss new capabilities that would allow Kyiv to strike deeper into Russia in a meeting underway now at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump signaled interest in Zelensky’s proposed trade of Ukrainian drones for long-range Tomahawk missiles, though he indicated he had not yet made up his mind.


Trump-Zelensky Meet: Trump Tells Kyiv To Make A Deal As Tomahawk Plea Misses A Mark 

After brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States President Donald Trump seems to now shift focus on the Russia-Ukraine war. While travelling in Air Force One en route to Israel on Monday (Oct 13) Trump threatened the Russian government with sending Tomahawk missiles to it foe Ukraine.&nbsp;“I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’ The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”&nbsp;“I might tell them that if the war is not settled — that we may very well. We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up," he added.<h2>What did Russia say?</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia raised concerns about the possibility of the US supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which could escalate the war further.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gaza-hostage-release-who-are-the-20-israelis-freed-by-hamas-under-ceasefire-deal-details-here-1760344149387">Gaza hostage release: Who are the 20 Israelis freed by Hamas under ceasefire deal. Details here</a>&nbsp;Speaking to a Russian state television Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "The topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern." He added "Now is really a very dramatic moment in terms of the fact that tensions are escalating from all sides."&nbsp;While Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Russia called any such move “plain stupidity,” and said it is proof of Kiev’s recklessness.<h2>Tomahawk missile range and capabilities</h2>&nbsp;The all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile has a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), which puts Moscow within reach for Ukraine. It measure 20 feet (6.1 meters) long with an 8.5-foot wingspan, and weigh about 1,510 kg.&nbsp;The missiles' design makes it compatible with a range of warheads, including high-explosive, submunitions, and bunker-busters.&nbsp;These missile can target threats precisely, even in well-guarded airspace and can be launched from surface ships or submarines.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While travelling in Air Force One en route to Israel on Monday (Oct 13) the US president Donald Trump threatened the Russian government with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

After brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the United States President Donald Trump seems to now shift focus on the Russia-Ukraine war. While travelling in Air Force One en route to Israel on Monday (Oct 13) Trump threatened the Russian government with sending Tomahawk missiles to it foe Ukraine. “I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’ The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.” “I might tell them that if the war is not settled — that we may very well. We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up," he added. What did Russia say? Meanwhile, Russia raised concerns about the possibility of the US supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which could escalate the war further. Also Read: Gaza hostage release: Who are the 20 Israelis freed by Hamas under ceasefire deal. Details here Speaking to a Russian state television Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "The topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern." He added "Now is really a very dramatic moment in terms of the fact that tensions are escalating from all sides." While Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Russia called any such move “plain stupidity,” and said it is proof of Kiev’s recklessness. Tomahawk missile range and capabilities The all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile has a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), which puts Moscow within reach for Ukraine. It measure 20 feet (6.1 meters) long with an 8.5-foot wingspan, and weigh about 1,510 kg. The missiles' design makes it compatible with a range of warheads, including high-explosive, submunitions, and bunker-busters. These missile can target threats precisely, even in well-guarded airspace and can be launched from surface ships or submarines.

While travelling in Air Force One en route to Israel on Monday (Oct 13) the US president Donald Trump threatened the Russian government with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

What are Tomahawk missiles that US President Trump is threatening Russia with

In a major military operation, the United States bombed three of Iran’s key nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, claiming they were “totally and completely obliterated”. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dubbed the attack 'Operation Hammer'. After the attack, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social saying that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely destroyed”. He warned that if Iran retaliated, the US would respond with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight”. Iran has promised “everlasting consequences” in response to the strikes. The situation remains tense, with US forces in the region on high alert.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-every-american-now-a-target-us-citizens-at-risk-of-hostage-taking-after-trump-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-1750594714096">'Every American now a target': US citizens at risk of 'hostage-taking' after Trump strikes Iran’s nuclear sites</a>Here are all the weapons Washington used to hit Iran's fortified and deeply buried nuclear sites<h2>What aircraft carried out the strike?</h2>The main force behind the operation was the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of delivering bombs powerful enough to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. According to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, these bombers went into Iranian airspace and came back undetected. He described the operation as the longest B-2 mission since 2001, and the largest B-2 strike in history.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-us-bomb-iran-israel-iran-war-missiles-proxies-or-strait-of-hormuz-how-iran-might-hit-back-at-the-us-after-nuclear-site-bombings-1750591176138">Israel-Iran war: Missiles, proxies or Strait of Hormuz? How Iran might hit back at the US after nuclear site bombings</a><h2>What kind of bombs were used?</h2>To break through Iran’s fortified sites, the US used Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). These are 30,000lb bunker-busting bombs designed to destroy underground targets. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, confirmed that 14 MOPs were dropped on two of the three nuclear sites, Fordow and Natanz. This marked the first time these massive bombs were ever used in combat.<h2>Did the US use missiles too?</h2>As the B-2 bombers targeted Fordow and Natanz, a US submarine-launched more than 24 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles at the Esfahan nuclear site. The Tomahawk missiles were the last weapons to hit and helped complete the operation without triggering any known Iranian defences.<h2>How many aircraft were involved in the operation?</h2>General Caine said that more than 125 US aircraft took part in the attack. These included seven B-2 bombers that flew east from continental United States and completed an 18-hour round trip. To avoid detection, the US military used deception manoeuvres early in the mission. Some jets were flown ahead of the bombers to confuse radar systems and clear a path for the main strike team.<h2>When did the strikes happen?</h2>The bombing of all three sites took place between 18:40 and 19:05 Eastern Time. The timing was calculated to maximise surprise, and according to General Caine, Iran’s surface-to-air missile systems did not react. He said the US detected no missile launches or resistance during or after the operation.

The main force behind the operation was the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of delivering bombs powerful enough to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. 

In a major military operation, the United States bombed three of Iran’s key nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, claiming they were “totally and completely obliterated”. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dubbed the attack 'Operation Hammer'. After the attack, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social saying that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely destroyed”. He warned that if Iran retaliated, the US would respond with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight”. Iran has promised “everlasting consequences” in response to the strikes. The situation remains tense, with US forces in the region on high alert. Also read: 'Every American now a target': US citizens at risk of 'hostage-taking' after Trump strikes Iran’s nuclear sites Here are all the weapons Washington used to hit Iran's fortified and deeply buried nuclear sites What aircraft carried out the strike? The main force behind the operation was the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of delivering bombs powerful enough to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. According to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, these bombers went into Iranian airspace and came back undetected. He described the operation as the longest B-2 mission since 2001, and the largest B-2 strike in history. Also read: Israel-Iran war: Missiles, proxies or Strait of Hormuz? How Iran might hit back at the US after nuclear site bombings What kind of bombs were used? To break through Iran’s fortified sites, the US used Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). These are 30,000lb bunker-busting bombs designed to destroy underground targets. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, confirmed that 14 MOPs were dropped on two of the three nuclear sites, Fordow and Natanz. This marked the first time these massive bombs were ever used in combat. Did the US use missiles too? As the B-2 bombers targeted Fordow and Natanz, a US submarine-launched more than 24 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles at the Esfahan nuclear site. The Tomahawk missiles were the last weapons to hit and helped complete the operation without triggering any known Iranian defences. How many aircraft were involved in the operation? General Caine said that more than 125 US aircraft took part in the attack. These included seven B-2 bombers that flew east from continental United States and completed an 18-hour round trip. To avoid detection, the US military used deception manoeuvres early in the mission. Some jets were flown ahead of the bombers to confuse radar systems and clear a path for the main strike team. When did the strikes happen? The bombing of all three sites took place between 18:40 and 19:05 Eastern Time. The timing was calculated to maximise surprise, and according to General Caine, Iran’s surface-to-air missile systems did not react. He said the US detected no missile launches or resistance during or after the operation.

The main force behind the operation was the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of delivering bombs powerful enough to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.&nbsp;

B-2 Bombers, Bunker busters, Tomahawk missiles: What weapons did US use to 'completely obliterate' Iran’s key nuclear sites?

Australia plans to buy up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States after the U.S. State Department approved the sale. Australian officials said the new nuclear-powered submarines would be able to fire Tomahawk missiles.

Australia to get 220 Tomahawk missiles from U.S.

Japan will purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles from the United States, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday, as his government beefs up the country's defences.

Japan to buy 400 Tomahawk missiles from US, says PM Kishida

Pope Francis denounced &quot;oppressive regimes&quot; in his Easter message on Sunday but in an apparent call for restraint urged world leaders to prevent the spread of conflicts, as tensions rose in North Korea and Syria.

Francis, marking the fifth Easter season of his pontificate, said Mass before tens of thousands of people under exceptional security measures in St Peter&#39;s Square following recent vehicle attacks against pedestrians in London and Stockholm.

More police vans and army vehicles than usual were positioned at the entrances to the Vatican area and the faithful were stopped at several check points leading into the square, which was decorated with 35,000 flowers and trees.

In his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message, delivered from the central balcony of St Peter&#39;s Basilica, Francis spoke of a world lacerated by conflicts and laced with tensions.

From the same balcony from where he first appeared to the world on the night of his election in 2013, Francis spoke of God walking &quot;beside all those forced to leave their homelands as a result of armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, famine and oppressive regimes&quot;.

He did not name any specific governments.

&quot;In the complex and often dramatic situations of today&#39;s world, may the Risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace. May he grant the leaders of nations the courage they need to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade,&quot; he said.

Francis spoke hours after North Korea warned the United States to end its &quot;military hysteria&quot; or face retaliation as a US aircraft carrier group steamed towards the region and the reclusive state marked the 105th birth anniversary of its founding father.

Concern has grown since the US Navy fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airfield last week in response to a deadlygas attack. That raised questions about US President DonaldTrump&#39;s plans for North Korea, which has conducted missile andnuclear tests in defiance of United Nations and unilateral sanctions.

Francis also condemned the bomb blast on a crowded Syrian bus convoy that killed at least 112 people outside Aleppo as an &quot;ignoble&quot; attack, asking God to bring healing and comfort to civilian population in what he called the &quot;beloved and martyred Syria&quot;.

Speaking on the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar, he called for peace in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

A surprise downpour hit Rome as the Mass was held but it passed quickly, allowing Francis to ride around in an open popemobile so people at the back of the crowd could see him.

Repeatedly during Holy Week services, Francis has drawn attention to the plight of war victims, refugees and migrants.

On Good Friday, he spoke of the &quot;shame&quot; of humanity becoming inured to daily scenes of bombed cities and drowning migrants.

(Reuters)

Francis urged world leaders to prevent spread of conflict as tensions are on the rise in the Korean peninsula and Syria

Pope Francis denounced "oppressive regimes" in his Easter message on Sunday but in an apparent call for restraint urged world leaders to prevent the spread of conflicts, as tensions rose in North Korea and Syria. Francis, marking the fifth Easter season of his pontificate, said Mass before tens of thousands of people under exceptional security measures in St Peter's Square following recent vehicle attacks against pedestrians in London and Stockholm. More police vans and army vehicles than usual were positioned at the entrances to the Vatican area and the faithful were stopped at several check points leading into the square, which was decorated with 35,000 flowers and trees. In his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message, delivered from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica, Francis spoke of a world lacerated by conflicts and laced with tensions. From the same balcony from where he first appeared to the world on the night of his election in 2013, Francis spoke of God walking "beside all those forced to leave their homelands as a result of armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, famine and oppressive regimes". He did not name any specific governments. "In the complex and often dramatic situations of today's world, may the Risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace. May he grant the leaders of nations the courage they need to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade," he said. Francis spoke hours after North Korea warned the United States to end its "military hysteria" or face retaliation as a US aircraft carrier group steamed towards the region and the reclusive state marked the 105th birth anniversary of its founding father. Concern has grown since the US Navy fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airfield last week in response to a deadlygas attack. That raised questions about US President DonaldTrump's plans for North Korea, which has conducted missile andnuclear tests in defiance of United Nations and unilateral sanctions. Francis also condemned the bomb blast on a crowded Syrian bus convoy that killed at least 112 people outside Aleppo as an "ignoble" attack, asking God to bring healing and comfort to civilian population in what he called the "beloved and martyred Syria". Speaking on the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar, he called for peace in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. A surprise downpour hit Rome as the Mass was held but it passed quickly, allowing Francis to ride around in an open popemobile so people at the back of the crowd could see him. Repeatedly during Holy Week services, Francis has drawn attention to the plight of war victims, refugees and migrants. On Good Friday, he spoke of the "shame" of humanity becoming inured to daily scenes of bombed cities and drowning migrants. (Reuters)

On Easter, Pope Francis denounces 'oppressive regimes'