President Donald Trump announced that the US has carried out a “successful” bombing attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The strikes were conducted in coordination with Israel, which has been engaged in a conflict with Iran for over a week.
Targets and Weapons Used
Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant: A uranium enrichment facility hidden deep within a mountain, which was hit with 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, specifically the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). The MOP is designed to penetrate up to 60 meters (200 feet) of earth or 18 meters (60 feet) of concrete before exploding.
Natanz Nuclear Facility: Iran’s main uranium enrichment site, which was hit with Tomahawk missiles fired from American submarines positioned 643 kilometers away.
Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre: A facility that employs thousands of nuclear scientists and houses three Chinese research reactors.
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization described the bombing as a “barbaric violation” of international law. While it’s unclear what damage the US attack has had on the nuclear facilities, or whether there are any injuries or casualties, Trump’s televised address claimed that the “nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated”. However, former US assistant secretary of state Mark Kimmitt was more cautious, saying, “There’s no way to suggest that it has been destroyed for all time”.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned the US that its attack will have “everlasting consequences”. Iran may choose to
- Do nothing: Spare itself from further US attacks, but risk appearing weak.
- Retaliate hard and fast: Launch ballistic missiles at US bases in the Middle East or target shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Retaliate later: Wait until the current tension has subsided and launch a surprise attack when US bases are no longer on high alert.
US and International Reactions
Donald Trump’s Statement: Trump said future attacks would be “far greater” unless Iran reaches a diplomatic solution, warning, “Remember, there are many targets left”.
US Politicians’ Reactions: Republican senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham supported the strikes, while Democrats Hakeem Jeffries and Bernie Sanders expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the move and the potential for escalation.
International Community: The UN’s nuclear watchdog reported no increase in radiation levels after the attack. The international community is worried about the potential consequences of the US strikes and the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.