U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities – Trump

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that American forces had conducted “very successful” airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking the first direct U.S. military intervention in the crisis.

The U.S. attacked Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment sites, including the heavily fortified Fordo facility, buried deep underground in a mountainside, as well as Natanz (Iran’s main uranium enrichment site) and Isfahan (a research hub for nuclear scientists). The U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers carrying 30,000-pound GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators) designed to destroy underground facilities. Additionally, 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from U.S. Navy submarines.

Trump stated the goal was to “completely and totally obliterate” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

In a televised address, Trump warned Iran against retaliation, stating: “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. There will be either peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed.”.

He also claimed coordination with Israel, thanking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military for their collaboration.

Iran confirmed the attacks but downplayed their impact, claiming nuclear materials had been moved out of the facilities beforehand.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a “grave violation of international law” and warned that Tehran “reserves all options” for retaliation.

Experts warn Iran may target U.S. military bases in the Middle East, disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, or launch cyberattacks.

Global Reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s “bold decision,” calling it a historic move to stop Iran’s nuclear threat.

U.S. Lawmakers: Reactions were sharply divided. Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Ted Cruz supported the strikes, while Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned them as unconstitutional without Congressional approval.

International Condemnation: The UN called the strikes a “dangerous escalation,” while Latin American leaders, including Mexico and Cuba, urged diplomacy.

The next 48 hours are seen as critical, with U.S. officials bracing for potential Iranian retaliation. The Pentagon has heightened security at American bases worldwide, and New York officials have increased police presence amid concerns of possible threats.

This marks a pivotal moment in the Middle East conflict, with the U.S. now directly involved in a high-stakes confrontation that could reshape regional stability.