WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States military launched precision strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities late Saturday evening, June 21, President Donald Trump announced during a national address from the White House. The targeted sites included the Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan facilities, central to Iran’s nuclear program.
Presidential Declaration and Objectives
In his address, President Trump characterized the attacks as a “spectacular military success.” He claimed that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” asserting the primary objective of the strikes was to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and thereby halt the nuclear threat posed by the country.
The President also issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that “far greater” attacks would follow if Iran did not “make peace now” and end its conflict with Israel. He added a cautionary note that “many targets left” could be rapidly incapacitated.
Details of the Strikes
According to US officials cited by CBS News, the specific targeting methods varied. The Fordo facility was reportedly struck with a “full payload of BOMBS,” potentially involving a Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a large, powerful conventional bomb designed to destroy hardened targets deep underground. The Natanz and Esfahan facilities, also critical to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, were reportedly hit by Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines.
Iran’s Response and Claims
Iran has officially acknowledged the strikes. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the US military action in strong terms, describing it as a “grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT” (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons). Araghchi also asserted Iran’s inherent right to self-defense in the face of such actions.
Countering US claims of complete obliteration, an Iranian local politician was reportedly quoted as saying that the damage sustained by the primary target at the Fordo facility was only superficial.
Regional Context
The US strikes unfolded against a backdrop of significantly escalated conflict and tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting the volatile geopolitical climate in the Middle East.
International Reactions
The international community responded swiftly and variedly to the US military action. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered congratulations to the United States following the announcement.
Conversely, both Russia and Venezuela issued condemnations of the US strikes, viewing them as destabilizing actions. Other nations called for restraint and de-escalation; Qatar and the Australian government were among those urging all parties to reduce tensions and avoid further military confrontation.
Domestic Political Reaction
In the United States, the strikes drew criticism from Democratic leaders. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly criticized President Trump for undertaking the military action without seeking prior congressional authorization, raising questions about the executive branch’s authority in initiating hostilities.
