Trump takes huge gamble putting US at heart of Iran-Israel conflict

As well as retaliation against US troops, a president who styled himself as "peacemaker" could face party dissent.

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Far from bringing peace to the Middle East since taking office, Trump is now presiding over a region on the precipice of even greater warfare - a fight in which America is an active participant.

In a televised address to the nation from the White House just over two hours after announcing on social media that American forces had struck three nuclear sites in Iran, the American president said the operation had been a "spectacular success".

He expressed hope that his move would open the door to a more lasting peace where Iran no longer had the potential to become a nuclear power.