The United States carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, June 21, targeting key facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The strikes were announced by President Donald Trump in a national address later that evening.
According to the president, the goal was to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.
He stated that the military operation was carefully planned and that all U.S. aircraft involved returned safely after dropping heavy bombs on the Fordo facility, a site deeply buried beneath a mountain and heavily defended.
Natanz and Isfahan were attacked with Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines.
President Trump warned Iran not to respond with force, saying that any counterattack would be met with even greater power.
He also urged Iran to consider a peace agreement in its ongoing conflict with Israel.
While Trump noted that more targets could be hit within minutes if needed, he added that the U.S. does not plan to push for regime change in Iran.
Reports confirmed that B-2 bombers dropped specialized “bunker-buster” bombs on the underground site in Fordo, while Natanz and Isfahan were hit through separate missile strikes.
Fordo is known for housing enriched uranium and has been seen as a core part of Iran’s nuclear program.
Although Iran had warned it would strike back if the U.S. joined the Israeli campaign, the extent of its response remains unclear.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the attacks but vowed to continue its nuclear program.
Iranian officials accused the U.S. of violating international law and called for global condemnation.
Inside the U.S., security agencies are now on alert for possible retaliation from Iran, including cyberattacks or physical threats.
Intelligence sources said it is difficult to predict how Iran will respond but noted that the current tension level is higher than anything seen in recent years.
Some American allies in the region reportedly were not informed in advance about the operation, learning about it only after the mission had begun.
However, Israeli leaders were notified and expressed support for the U.S. move.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has insisted that the country will take whatever steps necessary to protect its sovereignty, citing the United Nations Charter.
The international community is now closely watching how both countries proceed amid fears of wider conflict.
