U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that they have "completely destroyed" Iran's three main nuclear facilities - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This announcement comes amid ongoing attacks by Israel, where he stated that the U.S. military has conducted "extensive precision strikes."
According to Trump, these attacks were "extraordinary military successes" and aimed to completely and utterly destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities at the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The report stated that the U.S. used a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb at the Fordow facility and Tomahawk missiles at Natanz and Isfahan. Satellite images released after the attacks showed signs of damage at these sites, including craters at Fordow and damage at Natanz and Isfahan.
Iran has reacted strongly against these attacks and has warned of the consequences. Iran's atomic energy organization has confirmed the attacks but insisted that their nuclear program cannot be halted. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the "barbaric military aggression" and stated that Washington is "fully and solely responsible for dangerous consequences." He also mentioned that Iran will "never compromise on their freedom and sovereignty" and that there will be no return to diplomacy until Iran takes revenge. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has promised a "painful reaction," emphasizing that the number and extent of U.S. military bases in the region have made them vulnerable. There have also been reports that Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.N. nuclear watchdog IAEA and other international leaders have expressed deep concern and called for restraint, with the IAEA convening an emergency meeting. While the U.S. claimed that the attacks were not aimed at regime change, Trump warned of further attacks if Tehran retaliates, indicating that "peace or tragedy" depends on Iran's future.
