US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites, Trump Warns of Further Attacks

US President Donald Trump announced that American bombers had struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations. In a televised speech, Trump declared that Iran’s “key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.” He warned of “far greater” attacks if Iran does not comply with peace terms, suggesting a potential for deeper US involvement in the region.

Trump had previously hinted at the strikes on social media, stating that a “payload of BOMBS” was dropped on Fordow, a uranium-enrichment site located deep under a mountain. Natanz and Isfahan, two other nuclear sites, were also targeted. The president’s objective, as stated, was to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and halt the nuclear threat posed by what he described as the world’s top state sponsor of terror. He urged Iran to make peace, warning of more severe attacks if they do not comply.

This move represents a dramatic shift in US policy, going against the advice of European allies and the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency, which has repeatedly cautioned against attacking nuclear facilities due to the potential risks of radiation leaks and nuclear safety threats. Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear bomb, and Trump’s own intelligence agencies had assessed that Iran had not committed to developing such a weapon. However, Trump had dismissed these findings and had not ruled out joining Israeli strikes, which had already resulted in the deaths of several prominent Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

The US strikes could provoke immediate retaliation from Iran, which had previously warned of consequences if Trump ordered an attack. Trump’s aggressive rhetoric had already triggered threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and led Iranian officials to label the US as Israel’s “partner in crime.” Iran’s retaliation could also include cyber attacks against American or Israeli interests by hackers linked to the regime in Tehran. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated that its atomic-energy industry would not be halted despite the strikes.

Earlier, the State Department announced the evacuation of US citizens from Israel, organizing two flights to Athens from Tel Aviv with about 70 US citizens, family members, and permanent residents. Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center, expressed concern that Americans are now at risk globally due to the US attack on Iran. Iran’s official news agency confirmed multiple simultaneous explosions in Natanz and Isfahan, describing them as “aggressions” near the two nuclear facilities.

Israel was informed in advance of the US strikes, and Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the attacks. Fears of an impending strike had eased after Trump’s team indicated a decision would be made within two weeks. On Friday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK met with Iranian officials in Geneva in an attempt to prevent a US attack. The continued fighting has raised concerns about a regional conflict that could result in massive civilian casualties and disrupt the flow of energy and trade through the region.

Trump had faced conflicting advice from his supporters, who had urged him to keep the US out of foreign wars, pointing to American involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some Republicans had advocated for US intervention, arguing that Iran was more vulnerable after days of air strikes by Israel. Trump and his advisers had suggested that any strike would be limited, and Trump briefed Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson about the decision.

Senator Jim Risch, the Idaho Republican and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated that the strike was precise, limited, and necessary. Energy experts have raised concerns that crude flows in the region could be disrupted if Iran and its proxies retaliate in response to a US attack. Fears have focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for a significant portion of the world’s oil trade. Houthis have previously disrupted Red Sea shipping, forcing vessels to reroute around Africa.

A broader attack on the Strait of Hormuz could have even wider consequences, given its vital role in the region’s oil and gas output. Israel had launched a surprise attack on Iran on June 13, citing the imminent threat of Iran securing nuclear weapons. Iran’s military infrastructure was seriously damaged, and several top generals and atomic scientists were killed. However, Israel lacked the heavy bombs and B-2 stealth jets believed to be required to destroy nuclear sites buried deep underground.

Tehran responded to Israel’s strikes by firing waves of ballistic missiles and drones, breaching aerial defenses and striking several cities. The number of projectiles launched by Iran dropped markedly after the first few days of the conflict, raising questions about the number of missiles left in its arsenal and its ability to launch them. Dennis Ross, who served as President Bill Clinton’s Middle East envoy, suggested that Iran is facing a dilemma, having been dramatically weakened by the strikes. Iran will likely attempt to show it did not capitulate but will also have an interest in limiting further conflict.