Trump Confirms U.S. Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Warns of Further Action
U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that American forces had struck three of Iran’s main nuclear sites—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—in what he described as a “spectacular military success.” He warned Tehran of additional, more severe attacks if it refuses to pursue peace.
Speaking just days before his own two-week decision deadline, Trump’s move to align the U.S. with Israel’s military campaign against Iran marks a significant escalation in the conflict and risks sparking broader instability in the Middle East.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump declared in a televised speech.
“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”
According to reports, the strikes involved U.S. B-2 bombers and included six bunker-buster bombs used on the heavily fortified Fordow facility, as well as 30 Tomahawk missiles launched at other nuclear sites. A senior U.S. official confirmed the involvement of strategic bombers, while Trump stated online that “Fordow is gone.”
Despite the attack, the U.S. reportedly told Iran through diplomatic backchannels that no further strikes are planned and that regime change is not the goal, according to CBS News.
Conflicting Reports from Iran
Iranian sources acknowledged airstrikes on Fordow, but downplayed the damage. Officials claimed the sites had been evacuated prior to the strikes, and that no radioactive contamination or threats to nearby residents were reported.
“There are no nuclear materials at the sites that could pose a radiation threat,” said a spokesman from Iran’s nuclear agency.
Escalating Conflict and Diplomatic Breakdown
The strikes followed over a week of Israeli-Iranian hostilities, triggered by Israel’s claim that Iran was close to acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting have so far failed. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and a “direct threat to international peace and security.”
The conflict has also targeted energy infrastructure, raising concerns over global oil supply disruptions. Attacks have included Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Iranian threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Mixed Reactions in the U.S. and Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s “bold decision,” calling it a historic effort to deny Iran nuclear capabilities.
In Washington, Trump’s move triggered sharp political reactions. Some lawmakers demanded congressional authorization for military action.
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R) called it unconstitutional,
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) labeled it impeachable,
- While Sen. Roger Wicker (R) supported the strikes but warned of tough decisions ahead.
Within Trump’s MAGA base, opinions were divided. Steve Bannon urged Trump to provide a more detailed justification for the strikes, while others like Charlie Kirk voiced full support.
Rising Casualty Toll
According to Iranian state media, at least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured since the start of Israeli attacks. Israeli authorities report 24 civilian deaths and over 1,200 injured on their side.
