Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, now entering its second week, details are emerging about a significant US military strike targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States conducted strikes on Saturday against three sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He described the operation as a “spectacular military success” aimed at “completely and totally obliterating” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, warning the “bully of the Middle East” to make peace or face “far greater” future attacks.
According to information shared by President Trump with television host Sean Hannity, the strikes involved sophisticated weaponry. As many as six massive GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), often referred to as “bunker buster” bombs, were reportedly used against the deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility. These formidable bombs, each weighing 15 tons, were delivered by American B-2 stealth bombers, believed to have originated from Whiteman Air Force Base. Fordow’s structure, with its two entrances and ventilation shaft, likely served as the entry points for these powerful munitions designed to penetrate reinforced underground targets.
In addition to the bunker busters, the strikes on the Natanz and Isfahan facilities involved the launch of 30 Tomahawk missiles, reportedly fired from U.S. submarines. While speculation suggests Ohio-class submarines were involved, this remains unconfirmed. Despite Fordow receiving significant public attention due to its depth, a senior U.S. official indicated that Isfahan was considered the “hardest target” due to its own fortified, underground nature. The comprehensive U.S. strike package also included air support from F-22 and F-16 fighter escorts, EA-18 Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and U.S. Navy destroyers positioned in the eastern Mediterranean, which played a role in intercepting incoming missiles.
The US action unfolded against a backdrop of intense fighting between Israel and Iran. Both nations have exchanged strikes, with Israel reporting attacks across western Iran targeting military and innovation sites, and Iran launching missiles and drones at Israeli locations, including a reported strike on a broadcaster’s headquarters in Haifa and hitting a building in Beersheba. Casualty reports vary significantly, with different sources citing hundreds of deaths in Iran and dozens in Israel since the conflict began, underscoring the tragic human cost.
Coordination between the United States and Israel was reportedly close, with President Trump publicly thanking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stating they “worked as a team.” Israeli leaders lauded the U.S. decision, with Netanyahu calling it a “bold decision” poised to “change history” by denying Iran dangerous weapons. Israeli media reported that Israel had advance notice of the U.S. plan and deliberately created a perception of disagreement to deceive Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also reported conducting extensive strikes within Iran in the preceding week, targeting missile sites, air defenses, and key commanders as part of “Operation Rising Lion,” operations analysts suggest helped pave the way for the American strike by degrading Iranian capabilities.
The escalating situation has triggered urgent diplomatic efforts. European powers, including the UK, France, Germany, and the EU, are engaged in talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, pushing for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Iran to cease all nuclear enrichment, grant full IAEA access, limit ballistic missiles, and end proxy financing. However, a previous attempt at a backchannel discussion involving U.S. envoys and potentially Vice President Vance reportedly failed after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was said to have gone into hiding.
Concerns about the safety of Iran’s nuclear facilities under strike have also been raised by the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi. He warned that attacks on sites like Natanz have caused internal radiological and chemical contamination risks, and expressed significant alarm over the potential for a dangerous meltdown and radioactive leak if the operating Bushehr power plant were directly hit. Damage to the Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor, targeted by Israel to prevent plutonium production, has also been reported. Grossi has stressed the critical importance of avoiding strikes on nuclear infrastructure and highlighted the IAEA’s role in verifying Iran’s program.
Internationally, reactions have varied. UN experts have condemned Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, residential areas, and media as violations of international law. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin voiced concerns that the conflict, particularly involving nuclear sites, pushes the world towards “WWIII,” advocating for peaceful solutions. China has offered to play a “constructive role” in restoring peace and stability, having evacuated citizens from Israel.
Within the United States, the military action has reignited a debate over presidential war powers. A bipartisan effort is underway in Congress, with resolutions introduced in both the House and Senate, seeking to require explicit congressional approval for U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Proponents argue this conflict is not America’s war and that the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war. Critiques from some lawmakers point to concerns that the administration bypassed Congress and that the actions increase the risk of further conflict.
The conflict also places countries like Iraq in a precarious position, caught between Iran and US interests. The US partial evacuation of embassy personnel and military dependents highlighted Iraq’s vulnerability as a potential corridor for operations. Iraq’s government faces pressure to balance its security partnership with the US against demands from Iran-aligned militias seeking US troop withdrawal.
As the air war enters its second week, with neither side showing signs of backing down, the stakes remain extraordinarily high. The international community continues to urge restraint and diplomacy, grappling with the immediate violence, the long-term implications for regional stability, and the critical risks posed by strikes on nuclear infrastructure.
