WASINGTON, June 21 – In a dramatic escalation of ongoing Middle East tensions, President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that the United States had launched targeted military strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities. Addressing the nation from the White House, Trump called the operation a “spectacular military success” and a critical step in halting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
According to the president, the strikes were aimed at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—three sites central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The announcement comes amid heightened conflict in the region and follows days of speculation about a possible U.S. military response to Iran’s ongoing support for armed actions against Israel.
Strategic Targets Hit with Precision
President Trump declared that American forces launched a deliberate and impactful assault aimed at dismantling critical components of Iran’s nuclear program. Fordo, buried deep beneath a mountain and heavily protected, was struck using advanced bunker-busting bombs delivered by American B-2 bombers. Each bomber carried GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, designed specifically to break through hardened underground targets.
The remaining two sites—Natanz and Isfahan—were targeted with tomahawk cruise missiles launched from U.S. Navy submarines operating in international waters. Though the number of missiles fired was not disclosed, military analysts note that these sites play a key role in Iran’s nuclear fuel production and uranium processing.
Shortly before his televised address, the president posted on Truth Social, stating that a “full payload of BOMBS” had been dropped on Fordo and that all U.S. aircraft returned safely. And in second post, he declared the mission “a truly historic moment for the United States, Israel, and the entire world.”
Iran Warned Against Retaliation
Standing alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump warned Tehran that any retaliation would be met with overwhelming force.
He announced that the nuclear enrichment centers had been entirely wiped out. He warned that Iran now faces a choice: pursue peace or suffer consequences more devastating than anything seen in the past eight days.
He emphasized that while the U.S. prefers diplomacy, it is prepared to strike further targets with “precision, speed, and skill,” if Iran chooses to escalate the conflict. He added, “Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.”
Iran has long warned of retaliation if the U.S. directly joined Israel in military operations. Tehran previously responded to Israeli airstrikes by launching missiles and drones toward Israeli territory. However, the U.S. strikes mark the first direct American involvement in targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure in years.
Fallout and Diplomatic Backlash
Following the strikes, Iranian state media confirmed that all three targeted nuclear facilities had been hit. A spokesman for the crisis center in Qom Province acknowledged the attacks but insisted that Iran’s nuclear program would continue. In a statement, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran echoed this sentiment and called for international condemnation of what it labeled an act of aggression.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, via a social media message, denounced the U.S. military action as a blatant breach of the UN Charter. He asserted that Iran would exercise every possible course of action to safeguard its independence, national priorities, and population.
Meanwhile, international atomic authorities confirmed that no rise in radiation had been detected near the sites, alleviating some fears of widespread contamination.
Back in Washington, homeland security officials have raised the threat level to “very high” amid concerns of retaliatory cyberattacks or physical threats on U.S. soil. Intelligence sources indicated that while Iranian intentions remain unclear, the likelihood of reprisal is significant.
“We are in uncharted territory,” one intelligence official commented. “Iran could choose a wide range of responses, from restrained diplomacy to dramatic military or cyber action.”
Mixed Political Reaction in the U.S.
The announcement of the strikes sparked swift political debate in Washington. While some Republicans praised the president’s decisive action, others raised concerns over the potential for broader conflict.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was briefed prior to the operation, expressed support. However, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced skepticism, stating on X, “This is not our fight.”
Democratic leaders were more critical. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the president for not seeking congressional approval. He cautioned that this move could plunge the United States into yet another catastrophic conflict in the Middle East.
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner expressed doubts regarding the rationale behind the airstrikes. “The American people deserve a clear explanation of what’s at stake,” he said, highlighting the lack of transparency and consultation with lawmakers.
What Led to the Strikes
The surprise military action came after days of rising tension. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi had indicated a willingness to reopen diplomatic dialogue during meetings in Geneva. “Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again,” he said, while reaffirming the non-negotiable nature of Iran’s defense posture.
Earlier on Saturday, observers noted U.S. military movements suggesting preparation for a major operation. B-2 bombers were seen leaving Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and several aerial refueling tankers were tracked across the Pacific, indicating extended long-range operations.
In the hours leading up to the strikes, the U.S. began assisted evacuations of American citizens and green card holders from Israel, with flights departing Tel Aviv en route to Athens.
Inside the White House Situation Room during the strikes, President Trump was surrounded by key figures including National Security Adviser Andy Baker, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, DNI Tulsi Gabbard, and military leadership. The administration later released official images of the president and his national security team monitoring the mission in real time.