The United States launched airstrikes on three significant nuclear sites in Iran overnight, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump indicated a decision would be made within two weeks on whether to launch attacks on Iran. On Saturday evening, June 21, he authorized the strikes.
The first target was Fordo, a facility concealed within a remote mountainside, critical to Iran’s nuclear plans, according to the BBC.
Additionally, the nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan were struck by US forces, as confirmed by Trump.
The extent of the damage, including any potential casualties, remains uncertain at this point following the US assault.
President Trump described the strikes as a “spectacular military success,” stating that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated.”
According to both Saudi Arabia and the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there has been no reported increase in radiation levels following the attack.
Alongside Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump announced the missile strikes against Iran.
He stated: “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success.”
He further warned of more severe attacks in the future, adding, “Remember, there are many targets left.”
On Truth Social, the 47th POTUS continued: “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.
“Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded on Twitter, stating: “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
He emphasized that Iran ‘reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people’.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for the US action on Twitter, noting that the strikes were intended to address the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program.
He wrote: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Iran has faced accusations of attempting to develop a nuclear weapon, having mined significant amounts of uranium and engaged in enrichment processes.
Since June 13, Israel has conducted strikes on Tehran and other targets in Iran, focusing on nuclear and military facilities without prior US involvement.
In response, Iran has launched missiles, with some penetrating Israel’s Iron Dome defenses in Tel Aviv.