In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (June 21) that US forces conducted a “very successful attack” targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The strikes reportedly included the deployment of multiple bunker-buster bombs on the deeply fortified Fordow nuclear plant, one of Tehran’s most critical nuclear sites.
In a telephone interview with Reuters, President Trump described the operation as “an amazing success tonight,” declaring that the Fordow site is effectively destroyed. “They should make peace immediately or they’ll get hit again,” Trump warned, emphasising the gravity of the US response.
Details of the Air Strikes
According to President Trump, US forces targeted Iran’s principal nuclear sites at Natanz, Esfahan, and Fordow. He specified that six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on the Fordow facility, while 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles struck other nuclear-related targets. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers were involved in the operation, underscoring the high level of precision and firepower deployed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the US military’s performance, stating, “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. Fordow is gone.” He further demanded that “IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR.”
Earlier in the day, Reuters had reported movements of B-2 bombers in the region, machines capable of carrying large bunker-buster munitions necessary to destroy deeply buried underground facilities like Fordow, located under a mountain south of Tehran.
Iran and Israel Respond
Iranian sources, as reported by the Tasnim news agency, confirmed that part of the Fordow site was struck in “enemy airstrikes.” Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted Israeli officials as stating that Israel was in “full coordination” with Washington on the US air campaign.
President Trump was also reported to have spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after the strikes, indicating a close strategic alignment between the two allies amid escalating hostilities.
The strikes took place amidst a week-long aerial confrontation between Israel and Iran, resulting in casualties on both sides. Iranian state media reported at least 430 deaths and 3,500 injuries since Israel’s recent campaign began. Meanwhile, Israel has suffered 24 civilian fatalities from Iranian missile attacks, and more than 450 missiles have reportedly been launched at Israeli targets, according to Israeli officials.
Diplomatic signals
Despite the military action, CBS News reported that the US reached out diplomatically to Tehran, assuring that these strikes were the extent of Washington’s current plans and that the US does not seek regime change.
In his forthcoming televised Oval Office address, expected at 10 p.m. ET, President Trump was reported to indicate that no additional strikes are currently planned inside Iran.
The attack has drawn a mixed response from US lawmakers. Republican Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker praised the operation but cautioned, “The U.S. now faces very serious choices ahead.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, another Republican, maintained that “This war is Israel’s war, not our war,” emphasising that American ground troops would not be deployed in Iran.
Meanwhile, some members of Congress have raised constitutional concerns about the president’s unilateral military action without Congressional approval. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky declared, “This is not constitutional,” while Democratic Senator Tim Kaine criticized Trump’s decision, asserting that the American public overwhelmingly opposes war with Iran and accusing the president of poor judgment.
Rising Israel-Iran tensions
The US strikes come after Israel launched attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, citing an urgent need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is purely peaceful.
Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its arsenal. The current conflict marks the most severe escalation between Israel and Iran in recent years, with both sides sustaining casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
According to Israeli officials, more than 1,200 people have been injured since hostilities began, with several in critical condition.
