TL/DR –
President Donald Trump announced that the US had struck three key Iranian nuclear sites, as part of a campaign in conjunction with Israel to hinder Iran’s capability for nuclear weapon production. To achieve this, the US reportedly used B-2 bombers equipped with bunker-busting bombs, capable of reaching underground targets. While Trump warned of more forceful retaliation if Iran responds to the attack, Iran acknowledged the strikes but did not comment on the extent of the damage.
Trump Announces Successful Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
After U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities were “totally destroyed”. Trump stated the strikes were a “spectacular military success”.
The president warned Iran against retaliation in a post on Truth Social stating, “ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT.”
Trump revealed on social media that the U.S. had joined Israel’s campaign to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon, with targets including Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites.
The President posted a screenshot from Open Source Intel, a public intelligence monitoring site, claiming that “Fordow is now gone.”
Experts suggest the U.S. used its B-2 bombers to destroy Fordow, a task requiring a bunker-busting bomb to penetrate underground targets.
Trump congratulated the “American warriors” behind the mission and demanded peace from Iran, threatening future attacks should they refuse.
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Iran confirmed the hits on the nuclear sites but gave no details on the damage extent. The U.S.’s involvement was deemed “very, very dangerous for everyone” by Iran’s foreign minister.
This event marks a significant escalation in the conflict that began on June 13 with Israel targeting Iranian military leaders and scientists.
Trump claimed the strikes have done much to “erase” Iran’s nuclear threat in collaboration with Israel.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions have long troubled the international community. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for civilian energy use, though critics fear it could facilitate nuclear weapon development.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for carrying out the strikes. Top U.S. Republicans also commended the president’s decision.
However, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit Trump from authorizing further strikes on Iran without congressional approval.
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