US launches surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear sites after week of uncertainty
Donald Trump confirmed airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, declared a “complete victory,” and called on Tehran to return to negotiations.
Video still / whitehouse.gov
USA, June 22. President Donald Trump announced the completion of an air operation against three major Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
This marks the first direct U.S. military intervention in the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13.
According to official reports, the deeply buried facility at Fordow was hit with six GBU‑57 heavy bunker-busting bombs dropped by B‑2 Spirit bombers.
Photo: D. Miller, CC BY 2.0
Additionally, around 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched at Natanz and Isfahan. All aircraft and missiles returned successfully — no losses were reported.
The president described the operation as a “military success” and stated, “Now is the time for peace,” while warning Tehran of further strikes if it refuses to negotiate.
Iran responded immediately, announcing “retaliation,” which could include missile strikes on Israel, attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East, closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and activation of proxy forces such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.
Tehran also requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, accusing the U.S. of violating the UN Charter and international law.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed there was no radiation leak and said the enrichment program would continue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a “historic decision” that will change the course of history. He said the U.S. and Israel “acted as one team.”
Public reaction in the U.S. was mixed. Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Lindsey Graham, welcomed the operation.
Democrats and some Republicans, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, criticized the action as a breach of constitutional procedure and an unauthorized military intervention.
The operation is the most significant foreign policy move of Trump’s second term, which began with his inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Analysts warn of escalating conflict, threats to U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf, and possible involvement of proxy forces.
The U.S. has already reinforced its regional presence with additional ships and aircraft.
The operation began at 2:30 a.m. Tehran time after a week of uncertainty over whether the U.S. would join the fighting.
Reference
The GBU-57, America’s most powerful bunker-busting bomb, was developed by Boeing. Its primary purpose is to destroy heavily fortified underground targets. The bomb can penetrate dozens of meters of earth or nearly 20 meters of reinforced concrete before detonating with maximum destructive force.