President Donald Trump announced that the United States has successfully targeted three nuclear sites in Iran. This operation, which he described as a "very successful attack," included strikes on the Fordow enrichment plant, a facility deeply buried under a mountain, as well as sites in Natanz and Isfahan.
The President made the announcement via social media, stating that the attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling it a "bold move" that could "change history."
Iran has consistently denied any intentions of developing nuclear weapons. The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog stated earlier this year that there is no evidence of Iran’s systematic efforts to pursue a nuclear weapon.
In his address following the strikes, Trump emphasized that Iran must pursue peace or face further consequences. He warned that the U.S. would target additional sites if Iran does not cease its activities. He claimed that the three Iranian sites had been "obliterated" and described the operation as a decisive action.
Among the sites attacked, Fordow is particularly notable. It is one of Iran’s key uranium enrichment facilities and is located approximately 80 meters underground, making it a challenging target. Reports indicate that U.S. forces dropped a full payload of bombs on this site, effectively rendering it inoperable.
The strikes come amid rising tensions in the region, with ongoing discussions about U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran. The situation has raised concerns about potential Iranian retaliation. A commentator on Iranian state television has already suggested that U.S. citizens and military personnel in the region could be considered legitimate targets following the attack.
As for the immediate aftermath, Trump stated that all U.S. aircraft returned safely and expressed hope that diplomacy would now take precedence. However, it remains uncertain how Iran will respond to this aggressive action, especially as it grapples with its ongoing conflict with Israel.
The U.S. strikes on these nuclear sites represent a significant shift in military involvement in the region, and the world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.