In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the United States launched coordinated strikes early Sunday targeting three major Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The attack marks a direct military involvement by the US in Israel’s nine-day-long war with Iran, raising fears of a full-scale regional conflict.
President Donald Trump, addressing the nation from the White House, claimed the strikes had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no radiation leakage, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization acknowledged the attacks but vowed to continue its peaceful nuclear activities.
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The strikes were carried out using bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles, targeting deeply buried facilities, especially the heavily fortified Fordo site. This marked the first combat use of America’s GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, dropped from B-2 stealth bombers.
Tehran reacted with fury. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “everlasting consequences,” while Iran’s ambassador to the UN demanded an emergency Security Council meeting to condemn what he termed “heinous attacks.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier warned of “irreparable damage” should the US join Israel’s campaign.
The conflict, which began with Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure, has claimed at least 865 lives, with over 3,000 injured, according to Human Rights Activists. Meanwhile, missile sirens echoed across Jerusalem as Iran retaliated with rocket barrages.
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While Trump had campaigned on ending America’s foreign entanglements, the latest strikes represent a strategic gamble, one he claims is necessary to prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. He stated on social media, “This is an HISTORIC MOMENT for the United States, Israel, and the world.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling it “bold” and “historic,” and suggesting it could permanently set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, warning that the situation could spiral into uncontrollable warfare across the Middle East.
The strikes followed weeks of failed diplomacy and increasing tensions. Trump, despite holding off previous Israeli requests to attack Iran, finally gave the go-ahead amid bipartisan pressure and Israeli appeals.
The international community remains on edge as it waits to see whether Iran will retaliate further — a move that could ignite a broader war spanning the Middle East and beyond
