WASHINGTON: The United States has launched airstrikes on Iran’s three key nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — in coordination with Israel, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict. President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Saturday, calling them a “very successful attack” and declaring that the heavily fortified Fordow site is now “gone.”
The action comes amid a week of escalating aerial combat between Iran and Israel. Trump’s televised Oval Office address, which lasted just over three minutes, emphasized the gravity of the strikes and issued a stark warning.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump said.
“NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!” he posted on Truth Social.
“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”
US military officials confirmed the operation was executed using B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles. CBS News reported that Washington had reached out to Tehran diplomatically to clarify that no further strikes were planned and that regime change was not a US objective.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attack as unlawful:
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi posted on social media.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting…
He further stated that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”
Iranian media reported no casualties at the nuclear sites, stating that the facilities had been evacuated and critical materials removed in advance. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed there were no signs of contamination:
“Following the illegal US attack on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, field surveys and radiation systems data showed: No contamination recorded,” the agency said.
“It will not allow the development of this national industry… to be stopped,” it added.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also stated there had been no rise in off-site radiation levels:
“Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran… the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time,” it posted on X.
Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time.
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 22, 2025
IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US action:
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern:
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement.
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.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 22, 2025
There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of…
Since June 13, at least 430 people in Iran have been reported dead and over 3,500 injured due to Israeli strikes, according to Iranian state-run Nour News. Iranian missile responses have resulted in 24 civilian deaths in Israel, with nearly 1,300 injuries, as per Israeli officials.
The situation remains volatile, with further retaliatory action by Iran anticipated. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued attacks would trigger a “more devastating” response.