President Donald J. Trump announced a major U.S. military success early Sunday after American forces carried out coordinated air and missile strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities. The unprecedented escalation drew the U.S. directly into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and sparked immediate retaliation from Tehran.
In a televised address from the White House, President Trump said the objective was the “complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity,” claiming that the targeted sites had been “completely and totally obliterated.”
“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,” Trump declared. “If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
The strikes hit Iran’s fortified nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — facilities central to the country’s uranium enrichment program. Pentagon officials said the operation included six B-2 bombers dropping 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, while Navy submarines launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It was the first time the U.S. has used such bunker busters in combat.
Iran responded within hours, firing missiles at Israel, injuring at least 16 people and triggering nationwide air raid sirens. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. action as an act of war, accusing Washington of destroying diplomatic progress.
“We have to respond based on our legitimate right of self-defense,” Araghchi said at a news conference in Istanbul. He added that Iran was “considering all options,” including potential threats to U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Key Developments
- Global Reactions: Russia condemned the strikes, and President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Iran’s foreign minister on Monday. European leaders urged restraint.
- U.S. Troops on Alert: More than 40,000 American troops stationed in the region are now on high alert amid fears of further retaliation.
- Israeli Role: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strikes were carried out in “full coordination” with the Israeli military. Israel later launched additional strikes on Iranian military targets.
- Radiation Risk: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no abnormal radiation levels after the attacks. Iranian officials said the Fordo facility had been evacuated prior to impact.
Divided U.S. Response:
In Washington, the military action drew mixed responses. Republicans praised Trump’s decision as a firm stand against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Democrats and some GOP lawmakers, however, criticized the strikes as unconstitutional and warned of possible escalation into a broader regional war.
The strikes appear to mark a turning point in U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, raising the specter of a prolonged and dangerous confrontation in the Middle East. The Pentagon has scheduled a press briefing for 8 a.m. Eastern time to provide further details.Source – The New York Times