By Emmanuel Kwada
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that U.S. warplanes successfully struck three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking the first direct U.S. military involvement in the conflict.
The targeted sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—are central to Iran’s nuclear program, with Fordow, a heavily fortified underground facility, receiving a “full payload of BOMBS” delivered by B-2 stealth bombers equipped with bunker-busting munitions, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social.
Speaking from the White House, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump described the strikes as a “spectacular success” aimed at obliterating Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity.
There is not another military in the world that could have done this
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” he declared, emphasizing the unparalleled precision and strength of the U.S. military. “There is not another military in the world that could have done this.”
However, the President issued a stern warning to Iran, calling it “the bully of the Middle East” and urging its leadership to pursue peace immediately. “Iran must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” Trump stated, adding that the U.S. could target additional sites “with precision, speed, and skill” in a matter of minutes.
He underscored the stakes, saying, “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
Trump concluded his address with a message of solidarity, stating, “God bless Israel, and God bless the United States,” while also expressing gratitude to the U.S. military and invoking divine protection for the Middle East.
The strikes follow a week of intense Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, which began on June 13, prompted by Israel’s concerns over Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities.
President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the U.S. action, calling it a historic move that “denied the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapon.” Netanyahu echoed Trump’s rhetoric, stating, “President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace.”
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed the attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, noting that Fordow had been evacuated prior to the strikes. Iran’s atomic agency condemned the U.S. action, vowing to continue its nuclear program, which it insists is for peaceful purposes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking earlier in the week, dismissed U.S. threats and rejected negotiations under pressure, raising fears of Iranian retaliation.
The U.S. strikes have drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) supported the action, stating, “The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing ‘Death to America’ and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace.” Conversely, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump for acting without congressional authorization, warning of the risks of a “disastrous war in the Middle East.”
Some Republicans, including Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), lauded Trump’s leadership, with Cornyn posting on X, “President Trump made the courageous and correct decision to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat. God Bless the USA.” However, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) urged caution, calling for prayers for U.S. troops and peace in the region without explicitly endorsing the strikes.
The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing ‘Death to America’ and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace
Internationally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalation, warning that further military action could have “enormous consequences” for the region. Russia and China have also criticized the strikes, with Russian President Vladimir Putin offering to mediate.
The Pentagon confirmed the use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or “bunker busters,” in the attack, noting that only U.S. B-2 bombers are capable of delivering such weapons. Analysts suggest the strikes may have set Iran’s nuclear program back significantly, though the extent of the damage remains unverified.
Now is the time for peace.
As tensions mount, the U.S. has heightened security at its bases in the region and drawn down non-essential personnel from its embassy in Iraq. Jordan’s closure of its airspace has complicated evacuation efforts. Trump’s decision to join Israel’s campaign, despite his campaign promises to avoid Middle East conflicts, has raised questions about the potential for a broader war.
The White House has signaled openness to diplomacy, with Trump stating, “Now is the time for peace.” However, with Iran vowing defiance and Israel on high alert, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.
