US Launches Major Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure
In a bold military operation, the United States launched precision strikes against key Iranian nuclear facilities, aiming to halt Iran's nuclear advancement and curb its support for terrorism. This offensive comes on the heels of a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's air defenses, signaling a coordinated effort to neutralize the perceived threat.
Details of the Operation
The US targeted three principal nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, all critical hubs of the country’s atomic program. Notably, the attack on Fordow—an underground, heavily fortified complex—involved the use of six massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, showcasing the operation’s scale and precision.
These high-impact weapons were deployed exclusively by the US Air Force's B-2 stealth bombers, underscoring the mission's advanced nature and intricate military coordination.
Trump’s Address: Highlighting Success and Issuing Warnings
Speaking to the nation late Saturday, President Donald Trump described the strikes as a "spectacular military success" and emphasized the primary goal of crippling Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity. He praised the collaboration between American and Israeli forces and congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their joint efforts.
Among his key remarks:
- "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror."
- "We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel."
- "Iran, bully of the Middle East, must now make peace."
- "For 40 years, Iran has been saying death to Israel, death to the US. They have been killing our people... I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue."
Addressing the role of Iranian military leaders, Trump referenced the actions of Qasem Soleimani and reinforced the US resolve to prevent further loss of American lives due to Iran-backed violence.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The US-led strikes mark a decisive escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers, closely coordinated with Israeli military operations that sought to weaken Iran’s defenses beforehand. Trump’s declaration that Iran must choose between peace and devastation sets a stark ultimatum.
While the strikes have severely impacted Iran’s nuclear program, the broader geopolitical consequences remain to be seen, as Iran's response and international reactions unfold in the coming days.