U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American forces have carried out airstrikes on three nuclear facilities inside Iran, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the attacks targeted Iran’s key nuclear enrichment centers—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—and described the mission as a "remarkable success."
"For the first time since 1979, America has taken direct military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure," Trump said, adding that the sites were “completely destroyed.”
He warned Iran to pursue peace or face “greater and faster” military responses. “There will either be a peaceful resolution or devastation for Iran unlike anything witnessed over the past week,” he said. “We have many other targets ready, and most of them can be hit in minutes.”
The move comes days after Trump said he was weighing U.S. involvement in the conflict sparked by Israel's Operation Rising Lion. The Israeli military launched a surprise offensive on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, prompting Tehran to retaliate with hundreds of missiles and drones. Over 600 people are believed to have died in Iran, according to a Washington-based Iranian rights organization, while Israeli sources said at least 24 were killed in retaliatory strikes.
Trump first confirmed the strikes through his Truth Social platform, stating: “A full payload was delivered to Fordow. All aircraft are returning safely. Congratulations to our brave American warriors. There’s no military in the world like ours. This is a historic moment for the U.S., Israel, and the world. Now is the time for peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Trump for joining the offensive, saying the U.S. attack would be a turning point in Middle East history.
“President Trump’s resolve to hit Iran’s nuclear facilities with the unmatched might of the U.S. military is a moment of great consequence,” Netanyahu said in a public statement. “Trump and I have often spoken of ‘peace through strength.’ Tonight, America demonstrated exactly that.”
He called the joint efforts by Israel and the U.S. a potential pathway to a more stable and peaceful future, saying, “May this be the pivot toward long-term peace and prosperity in the region.”
According to Reuters, the U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers—recently stationed in Guam—for the operation. These aircraft are capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb, ideal for hitting hardened underground facilities like Fordow.
As the military situation worsens, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly sheltering in a fortified underground bunker. According to The New York Times, Khamenei has named three senior clerics as potential successors in the event of his death and has ordered a communications blackout around his location to prevent detection.
Despite the high-stakes escalation, Trump emphasized that the goal remains de-escalation and peace. “Iran must choose peace now—or face consequences far worse,” he concluded.
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