Trump confirms U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, marking major escalation in Middle East conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States joined Israel in a major overnight assault on Iran, striking what he described as Iran’s “main nuclear sites” with powerful bunker-busting bombs. 

The move represents a significant escalation in the growing conflict engulfing the Middle East.

In a televised address, Trump called the strikes a “spectacular military success” and claimed they had “obliterated” key Iranian nuclear facilities. He warned Tehran that any retaliation would trigger further, more devastating attacks unless Iran agreed to peace.

Iran Vows to Defend Itself

Iran’s response was swift but measured. Tehran launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli cities, wounding dozens and causing widespread damage in Tel Aviv. However, Iran has not yet acted on its most serious threats — namely, to strike U.S. military bases or block the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a quarter of the world's oil supply flows.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the U.S. strike as a "grave violation of international law" and warned of "everlasting consequences," while asserting that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”

Araqchi accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, noting that the attack came despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, and said Iran would not consider further diplomacy until it had carried out its promised retaliation.

Bunker-Busters and Strategic Targets

The U.S. strikes reportedly targeted Iran’s three principal nuclear facilities: Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — the latter a heavily fortified site built deep beneath a mountain. These facilities are central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program, which Western nations allege is a cover for developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists the program is peaceful and legal under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Only the U.S. possesses the massive 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs required to strike a site like Fordow. The attacks also involved Tomahawk cruise missiles and stealth B-2 bombers.

Fallout and Warnings of Wider Conflict

In response to the strike, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps fired 40 missiles at Israeli targets overnight, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with air raid sirens sounding across the country and millions taking shelter. Iranian officials warned that more missile launches could follow, saying they had not yet used their full capabilities.

On the ground, damage assessments are ongoing. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters suggested potential structural damage at Fordow, though communication from within Iran has been severely disrupted due to internet shutdowns and restricted internal networks.

Iranian civilians expressed deep anxiety over the conflict. "Our future is dark. We have nowhere to go – it’s like living in a horror movie,” said Bita, a teacher from Kashan, before her call was cut off.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump for his “bold decision,” while Israeli opposition figures also welcomed the U.S. involvement, calling it a step toward global security.

Global Response and Nuclear Concerns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no unusual radiation levels following the attack but called an emergency meeting of its board of governors for Monday. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, already a target of Iranian criticism, said it remained unclear how much Iran’s nuclear program had been damaged.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation vowed to continue its nuclear work, stating that the attacks would not halt its “national industry.” A senior Iranian official said that most enriched uranium had been moved from Fordow before the attack and that staffing at the site had been significantly reduced.

There is now growing speculation that Iran may withdraw from the NPT altogether — a move that would further alarm the international community.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Gamble

Trump’s decision to strike Iran is the most consequential foreign policy move of his presidency. Flanked during his announcement by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump said the future for Iran held “either peace or tragedy.”

He reiterated that the United States does not seek regime change, according to CBS News, which reported that Washington had communicated this position to Tehran.

The decision has sent shockwaves through the region. Gulf Arab states, many of which have sought to improve relations with Iran in recent years, voiced concern over the potential impact on regional stability and oil exports.

As war rages in Gaza and Lebanon, and Syria remains destabilized after years of conflict, the U.S. strike introduces a volatile new element to an already unstable region.