New Delhi [India], June 22 : After Sunday's "massive precision" strikes by the US on three nuclear facilities of Iran, former diplomat Dilip Sinha said that the move was anticipated in light of US President Donald Trump previous statements.
Responding to Trump's earlier announcement of a two-week deadline before potential military action against Iran, the former diplomat suggested that the timeline was merely a tactical move to distract the Iranian regime.
Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, "This was expected. President Trump had mentioned that he would be making a decision... He had given a two-week time to the Iranians, but this has come very quickly; the time factor may have been mentioned only to deflect Iran's attention... The US has joined the war, which means Israel's capacity to counter Iran has been considerably enhanced, and President Trump has said that, if required, they will take further action."
US struck Iran's three nuclear sites -Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow- and warned the latter of further retaliation if peace is not achieved.
Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that an emergency meeting would take place on Monday in light of the developments taking place in West Asia.
Earlier in the day, the IAEA confirmed that there has been no reported increase in off-site radiation levels following the strikes. "Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran -- including Fordow -- the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on the situation in Iran as more information becomes available," the agency said in a statement.
Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international law and vowed to continue its nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US military action under the leadership of Trump, stating that Trump's bold decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities will change history.
Meanwhile, India continues its evacuation efforts for Indian nationals in Iran, with multiple flights planned to bring back Indians from the conflict-hit region.