In a major escalation of U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict, President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that American forces carried out airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This move marks the most direct U.S. military action against Iran in decades and significantly heightens regional tensions.
Speaking from the White House, Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” asserting that all targeted facilities have been “completely and totally obliterated,” and confirming that U.S. aircraft exited Iranian airspace safely. He warned that further strikes would follow if Iran did not pursue peace: “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days”.
During his White House statement, Trump went on to say:
“A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.”
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.
“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
This marks a dramatic shift from Trump's earlier stance, which emphasised diplomatic solutions and a reluctance to re-enter overseas conflicts. The decision emerged amid growing pressure from Israeli leaders and Republican hawks, who have voiced concerns over Iran's advancing nuclear program.
The strikes were executed using U.S. military-grade weaponry:
The dual use of stealth bombers and submarine missiles signals an unprecedented level of U.S. military ambition in the region.
Tehran vehemently condemned the strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described them as a “grave violation” of international law and warned the attacks would have “everlasting consequences.” Iran has vowed to respond, reserving “all options” and threatened retaliation against U.S. and allied interests in the region. Despite significant damage to infrastructure, both Iranian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no elevations in off-site radiation, saying local populations remain safe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the strikes as a “historic turning point,” praising Trump’s decisive action and reaffirming Israel’s strategic alignment with Washington. Meanwhile, European leaders, including the EU’s High Representative and the UK Government, urged restraint and encouraged a return to diplomacy.
Within the U.S., reaction was sharply divided: Republican figures such as Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim Risch applauded the move, while Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jim Himes criticised the operation as unconstitutional, accusing Trump of bypassing Congress and risking entanglement in another drawn-out conflict.
Security analysts warn that this strike could trigger a broader regional war. Iran-backed militias, like Yemen’s Houthis, have already threatened to escalate attacks. U.S. military bases in the Middle East are reportedly under heightened alert, as is domestic intelligence monitoring of potential threats. Amidst it all, global oil markets remain volatile, and major powers such as Russia have condemned the action while calling for urgent diplomatic intervention. As of Sunday morning, Israel enforced a complete airspace shutdown, anticipating Iranian retaliation.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also spoke out following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear bases. In a statement, the PM said: "Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
"The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis."
He assured that although the UK was not involved in the airstrikes, he was informed about them in advance. He went on to inform reporters that there was a “risk of escalation”, adding: "That's a risk to the region. It's a risk beyond the region, and that's why all our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear programme."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to chair a meeting this afternoon of the government’s COBRA crisis committee.
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