President Donald Trump has authorised targeted airstrikes on three of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites, thrusting the United States into direct military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. The operation struck Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, sites central to Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.
Announcing the mission on Sunday, Trump said it was a “very successful military operation” and added: “All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors... NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
The Fordow facility, hidden deep beneath the mountains and previously deemed impenetrable, was reportedly hit with six GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—bunker buster bombs weighing 30,000 pounds. These weapons can only be deployed by B-2 stealth bombers. Trump confidant and Fox News host Sean Hannity said he confirmed with the President that Tomahawk missiles were also launched against Natanz and Isfahan.
This marks a decisive shift in Trump’s foreign policy posture, after having publicly favoured diplomacy until recently. Israeli officials have spent the last nine days softening Iranian air defences, creating what they described as a “narrow window” for a successful US strike.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision. “Tonight, Trump and the US acted with a lot of strength,” he said. “History will record that President Trump acted to deny the most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
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Iran has condemned the attacks. Its Atomic Energy Organisation termed them illegal and a violation of international law. “We will not allow the development of this national industry to be stopped,” the agency said, pledging legal action and calling upon the international community to reject what it called “lawlessness based on the law of the jungle”.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that the US would face “irreparable damage”, while President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Iran would never halt its nuclear activities. Tehran has already launched retaliatory drone strikes and threatened a broader regional response, including naval threats from allied Houthi forces in the Red Sea.
The three targeted locations play distinct roles in Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Fordow is used for uranium enrichment at levels up to 60% and lies roughly 90 metres underground. Natanz, Iran’s largest enrichment site, houses thousands of centrifuges, while Isfahan serves as a nuclear research and conversion hub. Iran claimed the sites had been evacuated in anticipation.
Vice President JD Vance defended the strikes: “He is only interested in using the American military to accomplish the American people’s goals.” Trump’s change in tone follows failed diplomatic efforts and is reminiscent of his earlier hardline stance when he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018.
The operation has sparked a divisive political reaction in the US. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham applauded the decision as “well done”, while Senator John Cornyn called it “courageous”. However, Congressman Thomas Massie questioned its constitutionality. Some of Trump’s supporters within the MAGA base also criticised the move as inconsistent with his “America First” doctrine. Democratic Senator John Fetterman, meanwhile, endorsed the action, calling Iran a “global threat”.
Across the region, reactions have been mixed. Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes and referred to them as “blatant Israeli aggressions”. Egypt called for an immediate ceasefire. Both states had only recently normalised ties with Iran and now find themselves navigating a volatile diplomatic landscape. European nations have urged a return to negotiations, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation convened an emergency session in Istanbul.
Concerns have also emerged over the potential environmental fallout. The Arms Control Association warned that striking an operational nuclear site like Fordow could risk radiation leaks. It described the attack as “an irresponsible departure from diplomacy”, cautioning that it may only push Iran closer to pursuing nuclear weapons for deterrence.
While Trump struck a triumphant tone on social media, calling the operation “historic” and urging Iran to “end this war”, the broader implications remain unclear. With Tehran vowing “more devastating” retaliation, the coming days may determine whether the strikes prove a turning point or the prelude to a wider regional conflagration.
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