In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, the United States has joined Israel in launching targeted strikes against key Iranian nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that US forces successfully attacked three critical sites in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—claiming the heavily fortified Fordow plant has been “completely destroyed.”
Trump took to Truth Social to confirm the operation, stating, “We have completed our very successful attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.” He added that the military aircraft involved are now returning home and emphasized, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
In a brief televised address from the Oval Office, President Trump warned that Iran’s future hinges on either peace or tragedy, highlighting that the US military could target additional sites if necessary. “The strikes were a spectacular success,” he declared. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been been utterly obliterated.”
The attacks coincided with a week of escalating aerial combat between Israel and Iran, which has resulted in casualties on both sides. Israel launched the strikes citing the goal of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran insists are intended solely for peaceful energy purposes.
Diplomatic efforts by Western nations to de-escalate the situation have so far failed. Iran’s nuclear agency confirmed the strikes but assured the public that there was no radiation contamination or danger to local residents. “Following the illegal US attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, radiation data and field surveys show no contamination,” the agency stated on social media. It also vowed that Iran’s nuclear work would continue unabated, emphasizing the dedication of its scientists and experts.
According to reports from CBS, the US communicated to Iran that the strikes were limited and did not intend regime change. Vice President Trump revealed that six bunker-buster bombs and 30 Tomahawk missiles were used during the operation, targeting Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. US B-2 bombers played a role in the strikes, a US official confirmed.
International reactions have been mixed. Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett noted that Trump was advised the strikes might dismantle Iran’s nuclear program without provoking further escalation, though there remains a risk of the conflict spiraling out of control. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decisive action, calling it a historic move that would alter the course of the region.
Israel had previously launched its own strikes in southwestern Iran on June 13, asserting that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons. While Israel has nuclear capabilities, it maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its own arsenal. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear pursuits are for peaceful purposes and that it retains the right to develop nuclear energy and research.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the recent escalation, warning that the conflict could quickly spiral into a catastrophic regional and global crisis.
Since the start of hostilities, Iran has reported over 430 deaths and 3,500 injuries, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health via Nour News. Meanwhile, Israel has suffered 24 civilian fatalities from Iranian missile strikes, with over 450 Iranian projectiles fired toward Israel. Israeli officials report approximately 1,272 injuries, with 14 in serious condition.
The situation remains tense, with both nations locked in a dangerous cycle of attack and retaliation, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
