In a stunning overnight escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that American forces had “obliterated” Iran’s primary nuclear facilities, marking one of the most dramatic foreign policy moves of his presidency and threatening to ignite a wider regional conflict.
In a televised address flanked by senior administration officials, Trump called the strikes a “spectacular military success,” confirming that key facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and the fortified Fordow complex were targeted. Tehran, however, denounced the attacks as a “grave violation” of international law and vowed to defend its sovereignty by all means.
“Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.
According to U.S. officials, the operation involved six “bunker-buster” bombs and over 30 Tomahawk missiles, with B-2 stealth bombers targeting the deep-underground Fordow site. The Pentagon claimed the action was calibrated to deter further escalation without seeking regime change—an assertion conveyed via backchannel diplomacy to Tehran.
Iran’s response was swift and defiant. Officials claimed the nuclear material had been safely evacuated in advance, minimizing the risk of radiation. However, witnesses reported smoke and multiple explosions near Fordow. Iran’s state broadcaster insisted the sites were largely undamaged.
On the ground, tensions soared. Israel—whose earlier strikes on June 13 triggered the conflict—faced renewed Iranian missile barrages overnight, injuring at least 86 people. In central Iran, civilians described a landscape of fear and uncertainty.
“Our future is dark. We have nowhere to go it’s like living in a horror movie,” said Bita, a schoolteacher in Kashan.
Regional observers warned of a full-blown war, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising Trump’s “bold decision” and UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the attack as a “dangerous escalation.”
The toll is already staggering: Iran’s health ministry reports 430 killed and over 3,500 injured since hostilities began. Israeli authorities have reported 24 civilian deaths and more than 1,200 injured. Despite diplomatic efforts, a ceasefire remains elusive.
While the International Atomic Energy Agency said no off-site radiation had been detected, the strategic and political fallout is still unfolding. Critics in the U.S., including some Republican lawmakers, have called for Congressional authorization before further action.
As both sides brace for possible retaliation, Trump offered Iran a stark ultimatum: embrace peace or risk further strikes.
