Trump Threatens Heavy Strike on Iran’s Secret Nuclear Site; Tehran Warns of War Escalation

US President Donald Trump has threatened a "very powerful" attack on "Mount Machoach," a secret site believed by Israel to house centrifuges and uranium. In response, Iran’s joint emergency command, Khatam al-Anbiya, warned that any US strike on Iranian nuclear sites would target American and allied interests in the region and be considered an escalation of the conflict.

Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Gheshti testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that the cost of the conflict with Iran has reached $37.5 billion, nearly $8 billion more than previous estimates, with projections extending through the end of September.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved continued US use of British military bases for what London terms "defensive strikes" against Iran. This decision maintains the policy of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, allowing US operations from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in England to counter Iranian missile threats and protect the Strait of Hormuz. Burnham, who took office on Monday, was briefed on the discussions and agreed to uphold the existing policy amid escalating US military actions.