United States and Israel Conduct Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
Updated June 22, 2025 at 1:12 AM EDT
The escalating tensions in the Middle East have reached a new peak, as the U.S. military, in collaboration with Israel, has launched strategic strikes on Iran. This joint military action aims to thwart Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
President Trump announced the success of the operation through a post on Truth Social, stating, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.”
The President confirmed that all aircraft involved have safely exited Iranian airspace after delivering a full payload on the primary target, Fordow. He expressed hope for peace, praising American military prowess.
In a televised address from the White House, Trump, alongside Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, declared the operation a “spectacular military success,” emphasizing the obliteration of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.
The President mentioned the potential for further military action, stressing, “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
He added that a press conference at the Pentagon is scheduled for 8 a.m. ET Sunday to provide more details.
This marks the first direct U.S. military involvement in the mounting conflict between Iran and Israel. The operation included an attack on the heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, approximately 100 miles south of Tehran. This site has been of particular concern for Israel, which had encouraged the U.S. to utilize its “bunker buster” bombs, specifically the GBU-57 MOP, carried by B-2 stealth bombers.
According to a U.S. official, senior Democratic leaders were informed of the strike just before the President’s social media announcement. However, the timing of the notification to senior Republican leaders remains unclear.
Criticism arose from several Democrats, including Rep. Jim Himes, who argued that Trump’s decision bypassed Congress, stating, “Donald Trump’s decision to launch direct military action against Iran without Congressional approval is a clear violation of the Constitution.”
A Turning Point in Middle East Policy
Despite earlier assurances to avoid deeper conflicts in the Middle East, President Trump emphasized the necessity of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. His administration initially pursued a renegotiation of the nuclear deal abandoned in 2018 but shifted focus following recent Israeli strikes on Iran.
Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, calling for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” and asserting U.S. aerial dominance over Iran. He has also issued warnings to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting that while Khamenei’s location is known, an attack is not imminent.
In response, Khamenei warned on X that U.S. involvement would be detrimental, stating, “The harm the US will suffer will definitely be irreparable if they enter this conflict militarily.”
An Uncertain Future
Although President Trump has ruled out deploying ground troops in Iran, the recent military actions introduce a new phase of uncertainty. The conflict began with Israeli airstrikes earlier this month, justified by Israel’s view of Iran as an existential threat.
Israel claims its strikes strictly target military and nuclear facilities, but Iran reports over 200 civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel, resulting in numerous casualties, according to Israeli authorities.
While Iran asserts its nuclear program is peaceful, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues it poses a threat to both Israel and the U.S. The U.S. intelligence community previously reported that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003, but President Trump has voiced skepticism, suggesting Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon.
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