US Bombs Iran's Nuclear Sites: Trump’s Precision Strikes Escalate Global Tensions
By M Muzamil Shami - June 22, 2025
US Bombs Iran’s Nuclear Facilities in Historic Airstrike
In a stunning escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States launched a full-scale aerial assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting three of its most fortified facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The move, ordered by President Donald Trump, was described by him as a "spectacular military success" that “wiped out Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”
The operation, carried out by B-2 stealth bombers armed with GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles, marks one of the most daring military interventions of the decade. According to Trump, Fordow was hit with a full payload, while Natanz and Isfahan were subjected to a series of precision-guided strikes.
A general view of the Bushehr main nuclear reactor
The Strategic Targets: Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan
The three sites selected were not just symbolic—they were critical components of Iran’s controversial nuclear infrastructure.
Fordow, located under a mountain near Qom, had long been a headache for Western and Israeli strategists due to its deep underground location, which made it impervious to conventional strikes. The facility housed thousands of centrifuges and played a major role in enriching uranium up to 60%, close to weapons-grade.
Natanz is Iran’s largest uranium enrichment plant. With over 70 centrifuge cascades and a vast underground complex, it had been at the heart of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It is believed to have been enriching uranium at both 5% and 60% levels, violating the 2015 nuclear deal limits.
Isfahan, Iran’s nuclear heartland, hosts a uranium conversion facility and a nuclear fuel fabrication plant. It also serves as a storage site for enriched uranium and has been identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as critical in the production of centrifuge components.
Trump said the massive GBU-57 bombs, capable of penetrating 200 feet underground, were used on Fordow, making it the primary focus of destruction.
A new surface-to-surface 4th generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar
The Military Machinery: B-2 Bombers and Massive Ordnance
The strike was executed with the precision and stealth of the B-2 Spirit bomber, the only aircraft in the US arsenal capable of delivering the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
B-2s flew from a base in Missouri, crossed the Pacific with mid-air refueling, and launched their payloads deep inside Iranian territory. Simultaneously, over 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired at the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.
In anticipation of the strike, the USS aircraft carrier group in the Indo-Pacific was repositioned closer to the Middle East, signaling readiness for broader engagement.
Trump’s Justification: Prevention or Provocation?
In his televised Oval Office address, President Trump said:
“The strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”
He also emphasized that the US was not seeking regime change but was determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
This military action followed weeks of diplomatic gridlock. Trump’s prior efforts to revive negotiations with Iran after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal had failed. Israel’s own military campaign, launched on June 13, appeared to force the US into action.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Reactions from World Leaders
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision:
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision... will change history. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons.”
Israel has claimed that the strike delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline by up to three years.
Iran
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the action:
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter... These outrageous actions will have everlasting consequences.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “more devastating” retaliation if the attacks continue.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said:
“I am gravely alarmed. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge. There is no military solution—only diplomacy.”
Other Nations
Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico called for immediate de-escalation.
Venezuela and Cuba described the strike as illegal military aggression.
Switzerland temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran.
US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the White House in Washington, DC, US June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the White House in Washington, DC, US June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilitiesUS Political Reactions: Deep Division
Republican Leaders:
Praised Trump for decisive leadership.
Senator Jim Risch: “A necessary step in support of Israel.”
Democrats:
Criticized the strikes as unconstitutional.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “Grounds for impeachment.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib: “This echoes the lies of Iraq—‘Weapons of Mass Destruction.’”
Casualty Figures and Human Impact
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency:
657 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians and several nuclear scientists.
25 fatalities in Israel, including casualties from over 450 missile and 400 drone attacks launched by Iran in retaliation.
Diplomatic Deadlock and European Mediation Fails
At a summit in Geneva, diplomats from Germany, France, and Britain pleaded with Iran to return to the negotiation table.
Iran’s Foreign Minister responded:
“We’re not prepared to negotiate with the US while under threat. Peace must be earned—not forced.”
President Trump, when asked about European efforts, dismissed them:
“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.”
Fordow nuclear facility in Iran
IAEA and Nuclear Status Update
The IAEA reported that Isfahan’s centrifuge workshop was severely damaged. Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% purity, the highest level of any non-nuclear country.
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi warned:
“Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed state enriching uranium to this level. It remains unclear how close they are to a functioning nuclear warhead.”
Strategic Implications and Regional Outlook
Israel asserts the strike delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions by two to three years. However, analysts warn the damage may be temporary unless diplomatic solutions are achieved.
Arab League foreign ministers convened in Istanbul, and the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) is planning an emergency summit.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has continued launching suicide drones and targeting Israeli airbases, raising fears of all-out war.
Western powers fear a "regional firestorm" if restraint is not exercised.
FAQs
Q1: Why did the US bomb Iran’s nuclear sites?
A: To eliminate what it viewed as an imminent nuclear threat and to assist Israel’s military campaign.
Q2: What weapons were used in the US strikes?
A: GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators and Tomahawk missiles, delivered by B-2 stealth bombers.
Q3: How has Iran responded?
A: Iran condemned the strikes as illegal, promised retaliation, and launched missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Q4: Is a wider regional war likely?
A: Yes, without urgent diplomacy, further escalation appears likely.
Do you think diplomacy could have prevented this? Should global leaders step in now?. Drop your opinion in the comments! Join the conversation.
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