Trump says Iran’s nuclear sites ‘obliterated’ by US strikes

The United States has carried out airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, aligning itself with Israel’s recent military actions and significantly raising the risk of regional escalation.

In a televised address on Saturday evening, President Trump described the operation as “a spectacular military success,” claiming that the targeted nuclear sites were “completely and totally obliterated.” The attack was reportedly ordered without prior warning in an attempt to catch Iranian forces unprepared.

The bombed locations—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—are central to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The U.S. deployed GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, bunker-busting bombs that were used in combat for the first time during this mission.

Trump also issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that additional targets would be at risk if Iran refused to engage in diplomatic negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. action, declaring that “America has done what no other country could do.”

Although the scale of the strikes appears to be limited for now, Washington’s involvement could broaden the conflict. Iran has previously warned that it would retaliate against American military personnel stationed across the region if the U.S. became directly involved. Oil-rich Gulf states that host U.S. forces have expressed concern about the potential for violence to spill across their borders.

Additional Developments:

• In what appears to be Iran’s first response to the U.S. strikes, a missile attack injured at least 16 people in Israel. Emergency services are currently addressing damage at more than 10 sites.
• Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization condemned the airstrikes, claiming they violate international law. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated on Wednesday that Iran would not yield to external pressure.
• The Pentagon has announced a press briefing at 8 a.m. ET on Sunday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are scheduled to speak.
• Oil markets and tanker operators are closely watching for any Iranian attempts to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
• Senior Republican leaders in Congress were informed of the planned military action in advance. However, the strikes have prompted strong criticism from some lawmakers, renewing demands for a congressional vote to limit the president’s war powers.