WASHINGTON,— The United States launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites late Saturday, President Donald Trump announced, marking a significant military escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the West.
The operation marked a major expansion of American military involvement in the region and has prompted warnings of a broader war.
In a televised address from the White House, Trump said the targeted sites — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — were “completely and fully obliterated.” He called the mission a success and issued a warning to Tehran.
“There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,” Trump said. “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. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”
In a separate post on social media, Trump declared: “This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!”
Trump said the strikes were designed to eliminate Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons, while U.S. officials insisted the operation was not intended to bring about regime change. The Pentagon did not immediately provide further details, though military leaders are expected to give a briefing at 8 a.m. Eastern on Sunday.
The Fordow site, buried deep in a mountain near Qom, was struck using 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs deployed from B-2 stealth bombers, according to a U.S. official speaking anonymously. About 30 Tomahawk missiles were also launched from U.S. submarines toward Natanz and Isfahan.
CBS News reported that Washington communicated with Iranian officials immediately after the strike, saying it did not seek a prolonged conflict. However, Trump warned further action could follow if Iran retaliates.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the U.S. targeted its nuclear facilities but stated that operations will continue. “Our peaceful nuclear activities will not stop,” the agency said in a statement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that the U.S. strikes “will have everlasting consequences,” adding that Tehran “reserves all options” to respond. Hours later, missiles fired from Iran struck areas in northern and central Israel, reportedly injuring at least 11 people, according to Israeli medical services.
While Iranian state media acknowledged the sites were hit, officials downplayed the damage. Tasnim news agency quoted an unnamed source confirming that Fordow was attacked. Meanwhile, Mohammad Manan Raisi, a lawmaker for Qom, told Fars News Agency the facility sustained no critical damage.
Iran’s nuclear agency said uranium had been relocated in advance, minimizing any radiation threat. “There is no contamination and no danger to nearby residents,” said Hassan Abedini, deputy head of the state broadcaster.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed it had not detected any rise in radiation levels but stated it would continue monitoring.
The U.S. involvement comes after more than a week of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s air defenses and nuclear infrastructure.
Israel began the military campaign on June 13, citing intelligence that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is civilian in nature.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump for the decision. “History will remember President Trump for denying the world’s most dangerous regime the means to build the most dangerous weapons,” Netanyahu said.
Israel announced the closure of its airspace to commercial flights on Sunday, following the U.S. strikes.
Trump’s decision followed internal discussions in Washington and what officials described as pressure from Israeli leaders and Republican lawmakers who saw an opportunity to permanently degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Analysts say U.S. weaponry, particularly the B-2 stealth bombers and deep-penetration bombs, offered a tactical edge in targeting fortified underground sites like Fordow.
The strike has reignited debate over presidential war powers. Trump did not seek congressional approval prior to authorizing the operation, prompting criticism from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said the attack was “not constitutional.” Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called it “clearly grounds for impeachment.” Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) supported the action but said the U.S. faces “very serious choices ahead.”
Meanwhile, Trump-aligned commentator Steve Bannon expressed concern that the move could alienate core supporters of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy stance.
On his War Room podcast, Bannon called for the president to explain the rationale behind deeper U.S. involvement. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, however, posted in support: “America stands with President Trump.”
Iran’s state-run Nour News reported that 430 people have been killed and over 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel launched its attacks. In Israel, authorities reported 24 civilian deaths and more than 1,200 injuries.
The conflict has raised fears of major disruption in global energy markets. Israeli strikes reportedly targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, while Iran threatened international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts warn that continued escalation could lead to surging oil prices and global economic instability.
(With files from Reuters | AP)
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