On 21st June 2025, the United States officially entered the Iran-Israel conflict, launching powerful airstrikes on Iran’s three major nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. President Donald Trump announced the strikes via Truth Social, praising the mission as a “spectacular military success” and warning Iran of severe retaliation if it responded.
What Was Hit?
The United States targeted:
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Fordow: Iran’s most fortified uranium enrichment plant, dug deep into a mountainside.
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Natanz: A central nuclear development site.
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Isfahan: Key to uranium conversion and fuel fabrication.
The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb capable of penetrating 18m of concrete or 61m of earth to reach the deeply buried Fordow site. The U.S. is one of the only nations with the capability to strike such deeply buried facilities.
Trump stated that a “full payload of bombs” was dropped on Fordow and that “all planes are now outside Iranian airspace.”
The attack marks the first time since Iran’s 1979 revolution that the U.S. has directly bombed strategic Iranian infrastructure. Fordow and Natanz are Iran’s main uranium enrichment facilities, while Esfahan holds near-weapons-grade enriched uranium stockpiles.
U.S. Air Force and B-2 Deployment
Reports suggest B-2 stealth bombers flew from Whiteman Air Force Base, potentially via Guam, to deliver the MOPs. The aircraft’s unique capability to carry such heavy ordnance made the strike feasible.
Trump’s Warning and Intent
Trump, flanked by top military and cabinet officials, declared that the strike was necessary and successful. He warned, “Any retaliation will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.” He added that now is the time for diplomacy and peace.
Iran’s Position: Damage Control and Threats
Iran confirmed the attack but claimed no significant loss, stating the nuclear materials were evacuated earlier. Iran’s state media labelled the strike a barbaric violation of international law, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “everlasting consequences.”
Iran had earlier threatened to retaliate against any U.S. involvement, specifically naming over 19 U.S. military bases across the Middle East, and hinted at targeting the Strait of Hormuz, through which 30% of the world’s oil flows annually.
Global Response
- Israel confirmed full coordination with the U.S., marking a new phase in the allied military campaign.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and urging de-escalation.
- Saudi Arabia and Oman expressed deep concern and called for restraint.
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UK PM Keir Starmer backed the U.S., calling the action a response to a “grave threat.”
In the U.S., reactions were mixed:
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Republicans like Ted Cruz praised the operation.
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Democrats and some Independents criticized Trump for bypassing Congress and risking a broader war.
Background: Operation Rising Lion to Operation True Promise
On 13th June, Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran responded with Operation True Promise 3, launching drone and missile attacks on Israeli fuel and energy infrastructure and even civilian targets, killing two.
Nine days later, the U.S. formally entered the conflict, a move previous U.S. administrations had carefully avoided.
What Comes Next?
According to U.S. military analysts and former officials, Iran may pursue one of three paths:
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Immediate retaliation using missiles or drone swarms.
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Delayed response at a time and place of its choosing.
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No response, to avoid further escalation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned of “everlasting consequences,” but how and when it responds will likely shape the next chapter in this growing conflict.
Decisive Moment in the Middle East
This operation marks the most significant U.S. military strike against Iran in years. While President Trump emphasized a desire for peace, he also warned that “many targets remain” if Iran does not stand down.
Whether this becomes the final act or the opening move in a broader war will depend on Tehran’s next move