U.S. carry out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump warns of further action

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN – June 22, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday night that American forces have struck Iran’s three principal nuclear facilities in a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, warning Tehran of further devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace.

In a nationally televised address, Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” stating that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment centers — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — had been “completely and totally obliterated.” “Iran’s future holds either peace or tragedy,” Trump said. “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”

The U.S. President confirmed that six bunker-busting bombs were dropped on the heavily fortified Fordow site, located beneath a mountain south of Tehran. Additionally, 30 Tomahawk missiles targeted other nuclear facilities, he told Fox News’ Sean Hannity.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers participated in the operation. “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “Fordow is gone.”

Iran Confirms Airstrikes but Downplays Damage

Iranian officials confirmed the strikes on Fordow via the semi-official Tasnim news agency but denied any serious damage. Mohammad Manan Raisi, a lawmaker representing Qom, near the Fordow site, told Fars News that the facility remained largely intact.

According to Iranian state media, enriched uranium had been transferred from the targeted facilities in anticipation of attacks, and nearby populations were not in danger. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said no radioactive contamination was detected following the strikes.

Deputy political head of Iran’s state broadcaster, Hassan Abedini, told viewers that the nuclear sites had been “evacuated some time ago,” minimizing the strategic damage of the U.S. operation.

Global Reaction and Regional Fallout

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump for his “bold decision,” stating: “History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

The airstrikes mark a pivotal escalation in a conflict that began when Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, claiming it was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons — an allegation Iran denies, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the U.S. strike a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge — and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

Fears of wider conflict have intensified amid mutual attacks on energy infrastructure, including Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and retaliatory threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have triggered warnings of global economic repercussions and oil price spikes.

U.S. Faces Domestic Political Fallout

The operation has sparked intense debate in Washington. Critics argue Trump’s decision to launch military strikes without congressional authorization is unconstitutional.

“This is not constitutional,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) added: “This is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

Other lawmakers supported the move. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the operation necessary but warned of “serious choices ahead.”

Inside Trump’s MAGA base, opinion remains split. While Charlie Kirk praised the president, Steve Bannon urged Trump to provide a deeper justification for U.S. involvement, saying the announcement may not sit well with core supporters wary of foreign entanglements.

Death Toll and Next Steps

Iranian state media outlet Nour News reported that at least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its strikes on June 13. In Israel, authorities reported 24 civilian deaths and over 1,270 injuries.

Despite the intensity of the bombardment, CBS News reported that the U.S. had informed Iran diplomatically that the current strikes represent the extent of U.S. involvement and that Washington does not seek regime change.

Still, Tehran has vowed to retaliate. Speaking from Istanbul, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said: “The U.S. showed they have no respect for international law. They only understand the language of threat and force. Diplomacy will only follow after our response.”

The coming days may determine whether the region plunges into a broader war or steps back from the brink.