Early on 22 June 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military had joined forces with Israel in airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme. US forces struck three key facilities — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — declaring the operation “very successful.” Trump emphasised that all US aircraft safely returned .
Flames at Fordow
Iran’s semi‑official Fars agency reported explosions around 2:05 am local time, following heavy anti-aircraft activity, with witnesses observing flames rising from the Fordow site.
Strategic Tools Deployed
US B‑2 stealth bombers dropped six GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator “bunker‑buster” bombs on the deeply buried Fordow facility—the first operational use of this weapon. Meanwhile, US submarines launched around 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Natanz and Isfahan.
No Radiation Detected
Iran’s National Nuclear Safety System Centre reported “no signs of contamination” at the targeted sites, asserting no danger to nearby residents. Similarly, the IAEA noted that previous Israeli strikes had not released radioactive material.
Israel’s Reaction
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the strikes as “a decisive moment between the axis of terror and evil and the axis of hope.” Israel’s Defence Minister called the action “historic,” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Trump, whom he hailed as “a friend like no other”.
US Evacuations & Diplomatic Moves
In anticipation of Iranian retaliation, the US has evacuated citizens from Israel via flights to Athens and a cruise ship to Cyprus, while also drawing down diplomatic staff in Iraq. Notably, Israel has closed its airspace indefinitely .
Iran’s Response
Tehran denounced the strikes as “heinous aggression” and urged an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted Iran “reserves all options” for self-defence under international law. Iranian allies, including the Houthis and Hamas, condemned the strikes, and missile launches toward Israel have been reported. Iran has warned of grave consequences.
Bottom Line
This marks the most significant US military action against Iran in decades, signalling a sharp shift from previous restraint. While the strikes are reported to have significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the humanitarian and geopolitical repercussions remain uncertain. With Iran pledging retaliation, the risk of a wider regional conflict looms large—potentially drawing in Iran‑aligned groups and unsettling the broader Middle East.
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