On June 21-22, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces, in coordination with Israel, conducted a major military operation targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, represents the core of the Iranian nuclear power. These airstrikes were executed using advanced military assets including B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines, and the 30,000-pound GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs.
/*U.S. and Israel Conduct Major Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites. */
President Donald Trump confirmed a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites. The operation marked a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict and underscored a deepening U.S. military role.The U.S. claimed the mission was a resounding success,bombs were used in what Trump called a “spectacular military success,” claiming that the nuclear sites were “completely and totally obliterated.
/*Deployment of U.S. B-2 Bombers and Tactical Implications. */
Six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers had earlier departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and were headed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Their flight included mid-air refueling shortly after takeoff, suggesting a heavy payload, likely bunker buster bombs. Analysts noted this aligns with broader U.S. military build-up in the region. The B-2 is currently the only aircraft capable of deploying the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), designed to destroy deeply buried infrastructure such as the Fordow facility. Experts say that only the U.S. and only the B-2 can carry out such a strike from the air. The Economic Times and Sky News have reported that B-2s dropped multiple GBU-57s on Fordow, while Natanz was hit by a mix of Tomahawk missiles and two GBU-57s. Isfahan was primarily targeted by Tomahawk missiles.
/*Trump’s Press Conference and Political Messaging. */
In a press briefing from the White House Situation Room, Trump described the operation as “historic” and praised the U.S. and Israeli military personnel involved. He criticized Iran for ignoring a previous warning about a decision within two weeks and labeled the nation “the bully of the Middle East.” Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation would result in a response “far greater than what was witnessed tonight.” He also signaled the possibility of further strikes and praised Israeli PM Netanyahu andand U.S. General Dan 'Razin' Caine for their roles.
/*Global and Domestic Reactions.*/
The international reaction was sharply divided. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomed the strike, calling it a potentially history-changing moment. Conversely, Iran denounced the attack as a violation of international law and vowed to respond at its chosen time. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns about destabilization across the Middle East. Countries like Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and several European nations urged restraint and a return to diplomacy. Qatar also warned of "catastrophic consequences." In the U.S., while Republicans largely backed Trump’s move, Democrats and even some Republicans raised legal concerns, criticizing the lack of Congressional approval for such a major military act.
/*Iran’s Assurances on Safety and Nuclear Integrity*/
In response to growing global concern, Iranian authorities reportedly led by the Supreme Leader issued a statement assuring that there has been no contamination and no danger to the civilian population following the U.S. airstrikes. Iran claimed that nuclear materials were stored in protected, reinforced environments that prevented any radiation leaks. The IAEA also stated that no increase in off-site radiation levels had been reported. This message appeared to be aimed both at domestic audiences and the global community, trying to dispel fears of a nuclear fallout and prevent panic while projecting an image of control and resilience. Some Iranian officials also claimed that the most sensitive nuclear materials had been moved from Fordow prior to the attack.
/*How Might Iran Retaliate?*/
Sky News correspondent Mark Stone analyzed how Iran could respond to the strikes. He noted that Tehran faces intense pressure to retaliate without inciting a full scale war. Potential forms of retaliation include cyberattacks, strikes on U.S. allies in the region, or increased activity by Iran backed proxy groups. Some Iranian lawmakers have suggested targeting U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia or closing the Strait of Hormuz. Stone emphasized that Iran’s response could determine the future course of the conflict, as Tehran weighs its strategic options carefully in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. Iran also reportedly launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel following the U.S. strikes.