The United States launched airstrikes against three key nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday morning, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran. This military action comes amid Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. Iran has reacted strongly, accusing the U.S. of initiating a "dangerous war."
President Donald Trump announced the strikes in a televised address, claiming that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been "completely and fully obliterated." He asserted that the U.S. military had successfully targeted the Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz sites, which are crucial to Iran’s nuclear program. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the U.S. had crossed a significant line and insisted that Iran had the right to defend itself.
Araghchi condemned the U.S. as a "lawless administration" and indicated that Iran would no longer pursue diplomatic avenues. He also mentioned plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation, highlighting Iran’s close ties with Russia, especially in light of their support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed the strikes but insisted that its nuclear program would continue. Both Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the affected sites. Satellite images showed damage at the Fordo facility, which is built into a mountainside.
The U.S. had previously been involved in the conflict indirectly, supporting Israel’s military actions against Iran. However, this marked the first direct U.S. military involvement in the conflict. Trump acted without congressional approval, a move that has drawn criticism and raised questions about the legal implications of such actions.
Following the U.S. strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched a counterattack, firing 40 missiles at Israel. Israeli officials reported injuries and damage from the missile strikes, with one building in Tel Aviv suffering significant destruction. In retaliation, Israel’s military claimed to have neutralized the missile launchers and began targeting Iranian military sites in western Iran.
The international community is calling for restraint and diplomacy to avoid further escalation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the situation could spiral out of control, with dire consequences for civilians in the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had previously warned that U.S. strikes would lead to severe repercussions.
This military intervention by the U.S. follows months of failed diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Trump’s administration had previously sought to negotiate with Iran but ultimately opted for military action after Israel began its own strikes. The decision to engage militarily represents a shift from Trump’s earlier stance of avoiding foreign conflicts.
As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with global leaders urging for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further violence and instability in the region.