In a surprising development, President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, effectively joining Israel in its ongoing military campaign against Iran.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space.”
In a televised address, he portrayed the strikes as a “spectacular military success,” raising concerns about a potential escalation in the already volatile Middle East region.
The U.S. decision to intervene militarily alongside Israeli attacks has drawn comparisons to the devastation experienced in Iraq following the 2003 U.S. invasion.
Since June 13, Israel has unleashed unprecedented attacks on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and military leadership. Reports indicate that over 400 people have died due to these Israeli strikes, while retaliatory measures from Tehran have led to the deaths of at least 24 individuals in Israel.
Details have emerged about the areas targeted by the U.S. bombing operations. According to Air Force Chief Dan Caine, which was confirmed in a briefing on Sunday, the U.S. dropped bunker-buster bombs on two nuclear facilities—Fordow and Natanz—and unleashed more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles on Isfahan.
Trump emphasized that “the strikes were a spectacular military success,” asserting that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated.”
However, independent verification of these claims has yet to be established.
Fordow is known as a well-fortified underground uranium enrichment facility located near Qom, designed to accommodate up to 2,976 spinning centrifuges, as per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Natanz is recognized as Iran’s largest enrichment complex, comprised of extensive halls of centrifuges, some of which are situated underground. It has been a focal point of Iran’s nuclear program and has endured multiple sabotage attempts, including Israeli strikes in the initial phase of attacks on June 13.
The Isfahan site serves as a significant nuclear research and production center that contains a uranium conversion facility and fuel fabrication plants. These facilities are crucial for preparing raw materials for both enrichment and reactor use.
For years, both Israel and the U.S. have alleged that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has denied claims regarding Tehran being on the verge of producing atomic bombs, although he acknowledged concerns regarding Iran’s decision to enrich uranium up to 60 percent purity.
The shift in Iran’s enrichment practices intensified after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the significant 2015 nuclear deal—also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—in 2018, which had regulated Iran’s nuclear activities.
The U.S. utilized both advanced weaponry and significant military resources in this offensive. Trump referred to the military action as “massive precision strikes” but did not provide specific details about the weapons involved.
During a briefing shortly after Trump’s announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Chief Caine provided further clarity.
They confirmed that 14 “bunker buster” bombs were deployed from B-2 stealth bombers targeting Fordow and Natanz, while Isfahan was targeted with a volley of Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine.
Among the most powerful bombs utilized in the operation was the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), weighing nearly 13,000 kg (30,000 pounds).
Bunker buster bombs are specifically designed to penetrate hardened structures—capable of burying through approximately 18 meters (59 feet) of concrete or 61 meters (200 feet) of earth.
The B-2 Spirit, the only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57, can carry two of these bombs simultaneously and can drop multiple bombs in succession for deeper penetration.
U.S. officials revealed that the operation involved 125 aircraft and delivered 75 precision bombs. Iranian military authorities were reportedly unaware of the attack until it had concluded and the planes had retreated from Iranian airspace.
This operation has been described as the largest B-2 deployment in U.S. military history and marks the first instance of MOPs being utilized in combat.
The immediate effect of the U.S. strikes remains contentious, with Trump asserting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been dismantled.
However, Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the Iranian parliament chairman, claimed that the anticipated strikes on Fordow were neutralized by advance evacuation procedures.
According to Iranian authorities, no irreversible damage was sustained during the attack, and their nuclear agency reported no signs of contamination or danger to nearby residents post-bombing.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) reassured the public by stating, “Following the illegal U.S. attack on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, field surveys and radiation systems data showed: No contamination recorded,” affirming that the safety levels in the area remained stable.
The IAEA also confirmed that there was no increase in radiation levels around the targeted sites in the aftermath of the strikes.
In response to the U.S. actions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the military intervention, labeling it a severe breach of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) itself by attacking Iran’s civil nuclear facilities.
Tehran had previously warned of potential repercussions for the U.S., stating that it might reconsider its membership in the NPT.
Araghchi denounced the strikes as outrageous and warned of long-lasting consequences, stating, “Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless, and criminal behavior.”
He reiterated Iran’s right to self-defense and indicated that Tehran reserves the option to respond forcefully, consistent with its interests.
Last week, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that U.S. involvement would have irreparable consequences for the United States.
Khamenei emphasized that Iran would not capitulate to external pressures and would continue to resist any aggression, stating, “We will not surrender to anyone.”
In terms of retaliation, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the nation’s right to respond to such aggression.
The ministry reminded the public that the U.S. had betrayed diplomacy by supporting Israel’s military action against Iran.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its right to stand with all its might against U.S. military aggression and the crimes committed by this rogue regime, to defend the security and national interests of Iran,” the ministry articulated.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the attacks, characterizing them as a dangerous escalation in a region already strained.
He warned that the conflict could spiral out of control with significant repercussions for populations both regionally and globally.
Iran’s foreign minister asserted that the diplomatic threshold had been crossed, emphasizing Iran’s right to defend itself given the circumstances.
Experts have outlined potential repercussions Iran might take in response to the strikes, including direct attacks on U.S. forces stationed nearby.
Stephen Zunes, director of Middle Eastern studies at the University of San Francisco, noted that up to 40,000 Americans could be within range of Iranian missiles and drones, highlighting the vulnerability of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf.
In addition, proxy militias within Iraq may target American bases, keeping in mind the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
On Sunday, Iran deployed its advanced Kheibar Shekan missile in response to the Israeli attacks, showcasing its military capabilities.
Furthermore, Iranian officials brought attention to the possibility of withdrawing from the NPT, as indicated by Abbas Golroo, head of Iran’s parliament foreign policy committee.
The ongoing situation presents a legal ground for Iran to exit the treaty under Article 10, which allows withdrawal in response to extraordinary events jeopardizing a nation’s supreme interests.
Adam Weinstein, deputy director at the Quincy Institute, warned that the U.S. risks being drawn into a protracted conflict in the Middle East due to these military actions.
He addressed concerns that Iran might continue its nuclear program in secrecy or even withdraw from the NPT, which could prompt further Israeli strikes, starting an escalation cycle.
Trump has continued to issue threats against Iran, stating that any retaliation against the United States will be met with a force greater than the current episodes.
This significant incident has stirred widespread concern, not only for regional stability but for the broader implications for international relations and global security.
image source from：aljazeera
