The United States on early Sunday carried out airstrikes on three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, marking the first direct American intervention in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Tehran. The strike on Fordow, a heavily fortified underground facility, reportedly involved the use of six 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs, weapons only deployable by the US Air Force’s B-2 stealth bombers.Trump announced the operation early Sunday, calling it a “very successful military operation” and a “historic moment for the United States, Israel, and the world.” He added: “All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors… NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
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Iran vows defiance after airstrikes on nuclear facilities
Tehran has issued a fierce response to US airstrikes calling the attacks a “savage assault” and vowing its nuclear program will continue uninterrupted. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded defiantly, stating they will not be intimidated by “the noise made by Trump or criminal gangs ruling the White House and Tel Aviv.” The IRGC accused Washington of placing itself “at the front line of aggression” and warned that the US lacks the “initiative or the ability” to avoid the consequences of what it called a severe response.Labeling US military bases in the region as a “point of vulnerability,” the IRGC added that Iran’s nuclear program, being indigenous and peaceful, cannot be destroyed “by any attack.”
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization described the strikes as a “blatant violation of international law” and criticized the UN’s nuclear watchdog for alleged complicity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation as a “pivot of history,” while Trump declared the mission “a spectacular military success.”
‘Future attacks would be far greater’: Trump warns Iran
Trump addressed the nation late Saturday, declaring the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities a “spectacular military success.” In his televised remarks, Trump stated, “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” emphasizing the mission’s goal to “stop Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”He reiterated the objective, saying, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Trump praised the coordination between the US and Israel, stating, “We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.” He added, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” and further acknowledged the role of Israeli forces: “I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.”Turning to the broader conflict, Trump warned, “There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.” He concluded, “Iran, bully of the Middle East, must now make peace.”
Trump confirms US strikes with bunker busters
President Trump made a surprise announcement Saturday, stating that the US had launched a “very successful attack” on three nuclear sites in Iran. He claimed that a “full payload of BOMBS” was dropped on Fordow, the most fortified of Iran’s facilities. Fox News host Sean Hannity later said he had spoken to Trump directly, confirming that six bunker buster bombs were used at Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles hit Natanz and Isfahan. The B-2 stealth bombers used for the mission are the only aircraft capable of carrying the 30,000-lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
Iran condemns US attacks on nuclear sites, citing violation of international law
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has condemned recent attacks on its nuclear facilities in Fordoww, Natanz, and Isfahan, claiming the sites were targeted “by the enemies.” In a statement, the organization said that the attacks violate international law and declared that it will not allow the development of this “national industry” to be stopped. It added that it has begun taking necessary measures, including legal proceedings, to “defend the rights” of Iran. The organization also called on the international community to condemn what it described as “lawlessness based on the law of the jungle” and to support Iran in achieving its legitimate rights.
Netanyahu praises Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded in a recorded statement released by his office at 4:41 a.m. local time (0141 GMT), praising US President Donald Trump’s actions. He said, “Tonight, Trump and the US acted with a lot of strength” and added, “America has been truly unsurpassed.” Netanyahu stated that “history will record that President Trump acted to deny the most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons.” He concluded by saying Trump’s leadership has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace.Read | ‘Bunker buster bombs dropped’: Which nuclear sites did US strike in Iran?
The role of Israel’s prior offensive
The US strikes come after nine days of sustained Israeli bombing raids on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Israeli officials say their campaign severely damaged Iranian air defences and key nuclear sites, opening a narrow opportunity for the US to deliver a decisive strike. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed Iran’s nuclear programme had been set back by two years. Tehran, however, continues to deny it seeks nuclear weapons and insists its programme is for peaceful purposes.
What are the bunker buster bombs?
The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-lb conventional bomb, is designed to destroy heavily fortified targets buried deep underground. Fordow, for instance, is estimated to be buried 80 to 90 metres beneath the surface. US and Israeli officials say the bunker busters, which drill deeper with each successive blast, offer the best chance of destroying such sites. These bombs can only be deployed by B-2 stealth bombers, which were reportedly seen departing US bases earlier in the week.
Iran’s nuclear sites: What was hit
The three Iranian sites hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan are central to its nuclear ambitions. Fordow is deeply buried and recently ramped up uranium enrichment to 60%. Natanz, Iran’s largest enrichment facility, hosts thousands of centrifuges in underground bunkers. Isfahan, a major research centre, includes conversion facilities and three reactors. The International Atomic Energy Agency had earlier confirmed enriched uranium production at all three sites. Tehran acknowledged attacks at all locations, though claimed that the sites had been evacuated “some time ago.”
Iran vows retaliation and accuses US of ‘all-out war’
Iranian officials responded with fury to the US strikes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that American involvement would bring “irreparable damage.” President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not halt its nuclear programme “under any circumstances.” Tehran’s retaliation has already included suicide drone attacks on Israel and warnings from Houthi allies in Yemen to resume Red Sea attacks on US vessels. Iranian officials have promised a “more devastating” response if the strikes continue.
Diplomacy collapses as Trump turns to force
The US had pursued a diplomatic track for months, with Trump twice urging Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to delay military action. However, after talks failed to produce results, Trump reversed course. Vice President JD Vance defended the decision, stating, “He is only interested in using the American military to accomplish the American people’s goals.” The shift from diplomacy to airstrikes marks a return to Trump’s hardline stance, consistent with his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.Also read | ‘The bully must now make peace’: What Donald Trump said after Iran strike; top quotes
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