In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Middle West Asia conflict, the United States has launched airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—aligning itself militarily with Israel for the first time since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

In a televised Oval Office address, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the strikes a resounding success. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. The strikes were a spectacular military success,” he said, framing the action as a necessary step toward peace.

Trump, who just days earlier had indicated he might take weeks to decide on U.S. involvement in the conflict, said the attacks were carried out “with precision, speed and skill.” He added that if Iran does not choose peace, “future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”

“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” he warned, asserting that many other targets remain on the Pentagon’s list. “Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes,” he added.

The strikes were executed using a powerful array of American military assets. B-2 stealth bombers dropped bunker-buster bombs on deeply buried facilities, supported by cruise missiles and fighter aircraft providing air superiority and cover. The Fordow site, one of Iran’s most fortified nuclear centres, was reportedly the main target.

Trump first revealed the operation on his social media platform, announcing that “a full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” and that all aircraft had returned safely. He congratulated the U.S. military and urged Iran to “agree to end this war,” declaring it a “historic moment” for the United States, Israel, and the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership, calling the strikes “bold” and “historic.” He said the attack would change the course of the conflict and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Israel. “First comes strength, then comes peace,” he declared.

Iran, meanwhile, has acknowledged the strikes but downplayed the extent of the damage. The country’s nuclear safety agency reported no signs of radioactive leakage and insisted that the facilities remain structurally sound. Officials said radiation levels around the sites posed no threat to nearby populations.

Iranian leaders condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and vowed to continue developing what they termed their “national industry.” The Supreme Leader reportedly remains in a secure underground facility and has appointed potential successors in case of his death during the conflict.

Tehran’s retaliation is expected but uncertain. Iranian military officials have warned of a “more devastating” response if Israeli and American aggression continues. Observers suggest Iran could target U.S. military bases or regional infrastructure, heightening fears of a broader war engulfing the Middle East.

The latest escalation in the conflict began with Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military installations, citing intelligence suggesting that Iran was nearing nuclear weapons capability. Iran responded with waves of missiles and drones, causing dozens of casualties.

Meanwhile UN asked for de-escalation: “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

 

There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. 

The only path forward is diplomacy.  The only hope is peace,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in a statement.