Washington: The United States executed precision strikes on three pivotal nuclear facilities in Iran over the weekend. President Donald Trump announced the military operation, highlighting it as a successful endeavor that obliterated key uranium enrichment sites in the Islamic Republic.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump revealed the details during a televised address, emphasizing the strategic necessity of the strikes. The operation targeted the nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan with the aim of dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and neutralizing its threat. The president underscored the strikes as a response to Iran's long-standing aggressive actions against U.S. personnel and interests.
In his address, Trump described the military action as a "spectacular success," confirming the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment infrastructure. The operation, named "Midnight Hammer," involved more than 125 aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers and air refueling tankers, as well as 75 precision-guided weapons. U.S. military officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, noted it was the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history and marked the first use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs.
Trump defended the military action by highlighting the history of hostility from Iran, citing the loss of over 1,000 American lives due to Iranian-backed operations. He drew attention to Iran's General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a previous U.S. drone strike, as a key figure in Iran's aggressive strategies.
The president issued a stern warning to Iran, suggesting that future U.S. military responses could be more severe if Tehran does not pursue peace. He indicated that there are additional targets that could be quickly neutralized if necessary.
Iranian officials reportedly downplayed the impact of the U.S. strikes, claiming that essential materials had already been moved from the targeted facilities. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that the operation significantly damaged Iran's nuclear ambitions without targeting Iranian troops or civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the U.S. action, expressing optimism that it could lead to a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East. In contrast, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the strikes as a dangerous escalation that threatens international stability and peace.
The U.S. intervention comes amidst expectations that Trump's administration would avoid foreign conflicts under its "America First" policy. The conflict in the Middle East intensified following Israel's attack on Iranian targets in June, which heightened regional tensions and fears of broader warfare.
Trump's demand for Iran's unconditional surrender has been rejected by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating a continued impasse in diplomatic efforts. The situation remains tense, with potential implications for regional and global security.