US President Donald Trump has described the bombing of three nuclear facilities in Iran as a “spectacular military success“. In an address to the nation from the White House, Trump called on Iran to quickly bring peace or face further attacks. “This cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said.
The US launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, using “bunker buster bombs”, specifically the GBU-57A Massive Ordnance Penetrator. The strikes marked the first time since the Iranian Revolution in 1979 that the US has sent troops into Iran to strike facilities inside the country. Trump announced the strikes on social media, saying, “The United States has just struck three nuclear sites in Iran. These sites were obliterated, and the facilities are no longer operational.”
In his address, Trump boasted of the mission’s success, saying, “Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.” He warned that if peace does not come quickly, the US will go after other targets with “speed” and “precision”. “Remember, there are many targets left,” Trump said. “Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US strikes, saying, “President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.” The Iranian government has not yet commented on the extent of the damage caused by the strikes.
The US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have significant implications for the region and the world. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned of “irreparable damage” if the US continues its aggression. The conflict between Iran and Israel has already resulted in significant loss of life, with reports suggesting that over 657 people have been killed. The situation remains volatile, and the potential for further escalation is high.