June 22, 2025, Washington — The United States launched precision airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—marking a significant escalation as it formally joined Israel’s campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, officials announced.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes were “completely and fully obliterated,” citing successful use of stealth bombers and bunker‑buster bombs. He warned that additional targets awaited if Iran did not pursue peace in the region.
CBS News confirmed U.S. B‑2 stealth bombers, equipped with GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, flew the operation alongside submarine‑launched Tomahawk missiles targeting Natanz and Isfahan. All U.S. aircraft reportedly returned safely. Washington also notified Tehran diplomatically that the operation was limited in scope and did not aim to provoke regime change.
Al Jazeera reported that the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected any increase in radiation levels at the sites. Iranian officials framed the attack as a breach of international law and international accords. “The United States … has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter,” Iran’s foreign minister posted on social media.
The operation followed a sustained Israeli air campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Al Jazeera quoted sources indicating Trump was advised that the strikes would not necessarily spark broader escalation—though he acknowledged there was still a risk.
The U.S. move drew immediate global attention. The IAEA confirmed “no increase in off‑site radiation levels”. Tehran vowed retaliation while calling for unity within the United Nations.
Domestically, Trump said the United States notified Israel prior to the strikes, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the decision as “historic”.
What happens next:
- U.S. intelligence and military assets in the region have been reinforced amid threats from Iran‑aligned groups.
- Regional and global leaders, including the U.N., have urged restraint and renewed diplomacy amid fears of expanding conflict.
This marks the most direct U.S. military involvement in strikes on Iran in decades, significantly raising tensions in the Middle East and across the globe.
