President Trump announced that U.S. military forces have conducted strikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The strikes, which targeted Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, were described by Trump as a necessary action to eliminate the nuclear threat posed by Iran, which he labeled as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism.
In a televised address, Trump claimed that the nuclear facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated," although this assertion has not been independently verified. The strikes specifically targeted the Fordo facility, a heavily fortified site, as well as the Natanz enrichment plant and a third site near Isfahan. Iranian officials confirmed the attacks but did not provide details on the extent of the damage.
Trump warned that further military action could occur if Iran does not pursue peace with the United States and Israel, stating, "If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier." The U.N. Secretary-General expressed concern over the strikes, labeling them a dangerous escalation that threatens international peace and security.
In the U.S. Congress, reactions were sharply divided. Many Republicans supported the strikes as a necessary measure against Iran's nuclear ambitions, while some Democrats criticized the action as unconstitutional and a potential pathway to war. Concerns were raised about the lack of congressional authorization for the military action, with some lawmakers arguing that it could lead to further escalation in the region.
The military operation involved the use of advanced munitions, including 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, marking the first combat deployment of this type of weapon. The strikes were coordinated with Israel, which has been engaged in its own military actions against Iranian targets in recent weeks.
As the situation develops, analysts warn of potential retaliatory actions from Iran, which has vowed to respond to U.S. involvement in the conflict. The strikes have raised fears of a broader military engagement in the Middle East, with implications for U.S. forces stationed in the region.
In response to the strikes, global oil prices are expected to rise, reflecting concerns over the stability of oil supply routes in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. military presence in the region includes approximately 40,000 troops, with bases in Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which could be at risk of Iranian retaliation.