Seoul: The United States has carried out precision strikes on three critical nuclear facilities in Iran, President Donald Trump announced, describing the operation as a significant success that entirely dismantled Iran's main uranium enrichment capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement came during a televised address from President Trump, just two days after he hinted at a possible military action against Iran. The strikes were aimed at the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, which are central to Iran's nuclear program. President Trump emphasized that the attacks were necessary to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and accused the Iranian regime of being a long-standing sponsor of terrorism in the region.
In his address, President Trump justified the military action by highlighting Iran's history of aggression, particularly against U.S. military personnel. He recalled the killing of General Qasem Soleimani and cited Iran's ongoing hostile rhetoric towards the United States and Israel. Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, suggesting that future U.S. military actions could be even more devastating if Tehran fails to pursue peace.
The strikes primarily targeted the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and other strategic sites, believed to hold near-weapons-grade enriched uranium. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Trump's decision, asserting that it marked a pivotal moment in the Middle East and would contribute to future peace and prosperity in the region.
In contrast, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the U.S. action, warning that it represents a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and poses a direct threat to international peace. Guterres expressed concern over the potential for the conflict to spiral out of control, with dire consequences for civilians worldwide.
Despite expectations that Trump's America First policy would steer clear of foreign wars, the U.S. intervention comes amid heightened tensions following Israel's recent attacks on Iranian sites. These actions have escalated fears of a broader regional conflict, with Israel defending its preemptive strikes as necessary to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The situation remains tense, with President Trump demanding Iran's unconditional surrender, a demand that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected. The international community watches closely as the repercussions of the U.S. strikes unfold in the Middle East.