US Launches Airstrikes on Key Iranian Nuclear Facilities
In a landmark military operation, the United States struck three critical nuclear sites in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—ending decades without direct attacks inside Iranian territory. Announcing the strikes from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump hailed the mission as a “very successful attack” that has completely incapacitated Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities.
"Iran’s main nuclear facilities have been entirely obliterated," Trump stated, emphasizing that the assaults were a remarkable military success and signaling a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.
Trump’s Stark Warning: Peace or Intensified Conflict
The president referred to Iran as the “bully of the Middle East” and urged Tehran to pursue peace swiftly. He warned that failure to do so would invite more precise and devastating strikes targeting additional facilities, many of which could be neutralized within minutes.
"There will be either peace, or Iran will face consequences far graver than what has been seen over the past week," Trump said, underscoring a decisive moment for the region.
Escalating Clashes: Israel and Tehran's Retaliation
Adding to the volatility, Iran and Israel have engaged in reciprocal bombardments in recent days. Following Israel’s launch of “Operation Rising Lion” last Friday targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, more than 600 casualties have been reported within Iran, with Tehran firing over 450 missiles and deploying nearly 1,000 drones in retaliation, resulting in at least 24 deaths.
Trump initially announced the US strikes via his social platform, emphasizing the precision and success of the mission. "A full payload of bombs was unleashed on the primary site, Fordow. All aircraft have safely returned. Congratulations to our brave American warriors," he wrote.
Israeli Prime Minister Praises US Intervention
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly commended President Trump’s decisive action against Iran's nuclear facilities. In a video message, Netanyahu remarked, "Your bold decision will change history. We often say ‘Peace through strength.’ Tonight, strength came first, and with it, the hope for peace.”
Extolling the cooperation, Netanyahu said that while Israel’s military had achieved remarkable feats in “Operation Rising Lion,” the US strike surpassed all efforts, delivering a pivotal blow to a regime deemed the world’s most dangerous.
Advanced Weaponry Behind the Strikes
The operation reportedly involved the deployment of B-2 stealth bombers, equipped with the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a 30,000-pound bunker-busting weapon designed to destroy deep underground targets. This arsenal allowed the US to effectively neutralize heavily fortified nuclear sites in Iran.
Iran’s Response and Supreme Leader’s Precautions
Amid the escalation, Iran’s Supreme Leader has been reportedly sheltering in a fortified bunker, having designated three senior clerics as potential successors should he be assassinated. Measures to further isolate him electronically have been undertaken, complicating efforts to locate him.
A Region on Edge
The unfolding conflict underscores a precarious and volatile chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics. With US and Israeli forces engaging Iran directly for the first time in decades, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the region moves toward a fragile peace or descends into wider conflict.
