President Donald Trump announced that US forces successfully bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, declaring ‘Fordo is gone’. He emphasized that Fordo, the crown jewel of Tehran’s nuclear program, is no longer operational.
After days of deliberation, Trump’s decision to join Israel’s military campaign against Iran marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Consequently, “All planes are safely on their way home,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, congratulating “our great American Warriors.”
“A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordo,” he said. “Fordo is gone.” Additionally, he further demanded, “IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR.” Meanwhile, the Republican president announced he will deliver a televised Oval Office address at 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT).
Details of the Strikes
In detail, US B-2 bombers participated in the strikes, a US official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Earlier on Saturday, Reuters reported about the movement of the bombers, which can carry massive bombs necessary to strike Fordo, buried under a mountain.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan cited an Israeli official stating the country was ‘in full coordination’ with Washington regarding the US attack. The strikes occurred amid over a week of aerial combat between Israel and Iran, resulting in deaths and injuries in both countries.
International Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Israel launched the attacks on Iran to eliminate the possibility of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, with diplomatic efforts by Western nations to halt the hostilities have proven unsuccessful.
Recently, Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans argued that Trump must seek permission from the US Congress before committing the US military to combat against Iran. Israeli military officials reported on Saturday that they had completed another series of strikes in southwestern Iran, targeting dozens of military sites.
Israel initiated attacks on 13 June, claiming Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it neither confirms nor denies this.
Casualties and Impact
At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its attacks, according to Iranian state-run Nour News, citing the health ministry. Israeli local authorities reported the killing of 24 civilians by Iranian missile attacks, marking the worst conflict between the longtime enemies.
Over 450 Iranian missiles have been fired towards Israel, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office. Israeli officials reported that 1,272 people have been injured since the beginning of the hostilities, with 14 in serious condition.
This growing conflict marks the most severe confrontation between Iran and Israel in years, raising regional instability.
