Trump Confirms U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites as Tensions Grow in Middle East
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the U.S. military hit three nuclear sites in Iran, working with Israel to weaken Iran’s nuclear program. Trump called the strikes “very successful,” naming Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan as the targets. He said all U.S. planes were now out of Iranian airspace and safely returning home.
This is the first time the U.S. has directly joined Israel’s attacks on Iran since the conflict began on June 13. Israel had already been bombing Iran for over a week, trying to destroy air defenses, missile systems, and nuclear facilities. U.S. and Israeli officials said only American bombers could destroy deep underground bunkers where Iran hides some of its nuclear operations.
The decision is risky. Iran warned it would strike back if the U.S. joined the fight, and this could lead to a bigger regional war. Trump had promised to avoid foreign wars during his presidency, so this move is controversial.
In response to the conflict, Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to restart attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea. The U.S. also began offering “assisted departure” flights out of Israel for Americans, the first since the October 7 Hamas attack that started the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel said it killed three top Iranian commanders and damaged a nuclear research center in Isfahan. The site made machines used to enrich uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the facility was badly damaged but said there’s no radiation risk to the public.
Iran has fired over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel during the war, according to Israel. Most were shot down, but 24 people in Israel have been killed, and more than 1,000 have been hurt.
The war has caused major destruction in Iran, killing at least 722 people, including 285 civilians, and injuring more than 2,500. Many people are fleeing the country. Internet access is down in many areas, making it hard to know what’s happening.
Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but it has enriched uranium up to 60%, just below weapons-grade. Israel believes Iran is secretly trying to build nuclear weapons. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the attacks will continue “as long as it takes” to stop Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran has the right to nuclear power and won’t give it up because of threats. He said Iran is willing to prove its nuclear work is peaceful, but only if the attacks stop. Talks between world leaders have failed to bring peace so far.
Israel also said it killed two more top Iranian military leaders — one who helped arm Hamas and another who provided weapons to Hezbollah. Iran hasn’t confirmed these deaths.
Finally, Iran is angry at Rafael Grossi, head of the UN’s nuclear agency, blaming him for helping Israel’s decision to attack. A senior Iranian advisor said Iran will make him “pay” after the war.
