Introduction
In a stunning escalation of Middle East tensions, former US President Donald Trump Iran strikes has declared the recent American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities a “spectacular military success.” The bold operation targeted three of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites, marking the first time since 1979 that US forces have directly entered Iranian territory for such an attack. [Source: BBC]
Details of the Operation
Appearing alongside Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump announced that the US had used the GBU-57A Massive Ordnance Penetrator—also known as the bunker buster—to strike Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites in the dead of night.
“Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump declared. “Iran must now make peace, or face even more severe consequences.”
First Direct US Strikes Inside Iran
This marks the first time since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that American forces have launched direct attacks inside Iranian territory. The strikes came after weeks of rising hostilities following an initial Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear targets earlier this month while nuclear negotiations were ongoing Trump Iran strikes.
After the Israeli attack, Iran responded by launching hundreds of drones and rockets toward Israel. So far, at least 657 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Israel Welcomes US Action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US strikes and Trump’s decision to act: “First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.”
According to reports, the Trump administration notified Israel in advance about the airstrikes, further solidifying the two allies’ strategic cooperation amid escalating regional tensions Trump Iran strikes.
Trump Issues Ultimatum
In his White House address, Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Iran: make peace swiftly or face even greater military consequences. “Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal,” Trump said, warning that “there are many targets left.”
Diplomatic Backchannel
Despite the aggressive tone, US officials revealed that diplomatic outreach was made to Tehran after the strikes. The message emphasized that no regime change is currently planned and that the operation was limited in scope, aiming solely to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Mounting International Concerns
The attacks have sparked global concern about the risk of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Many fear that Iran may retaliate with further missile strikes or asymmetrical warfare through regional proxies.
For many Iranians, the crisis has triggered mass anxiety, with some civilians even fleeing to neighboring countries like Armenia to escape potential full-scale war. [Internal Link: How the Israel-Iran Conflict Escalated Rapidly]
What Comes Next?
The full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear as the country has not yet disclosed official casualty figures or infrastructure loss. However, Trump has made it clear that the US is ready to strike again if Iran refuses to de-escalate and re-enter negotiations.
Conclusion
With Iran’s nuclear sites devastated and the world watching closely, Trump’s bold military move has dramatically shifted the power dynamics in the Middle East. Whether this leads to peace or further tragedy remains uncertain as both sides weigh their next moves in this dangerous standoff.
Written by Ana Faguy, BBC News, Washington DC.
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