US Intervention
After days of speculation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted attacks on Iran’s three primary nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump described the action as a “spectacular military achievement.” Iranian media confirmed these attacks, stating that they did not result in any casualties.
According to Trump, “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If it does not, future attacks will be much bigger and much easier.” Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, stated that Iran’s nuclear program was “devastated.”
Hegseth revealed that the U.S. used seven stealth bombers, B-2s, in these attacks. These are the only aircraft capable of carrying powerful 13-ton bunker-busting GBU-57 bombs. These munitions can penetrate tens of meters before detonating, allowing them to target deeply buried objectives like the Fordo facility.
“No Risk” of Contamination
The Iranian government spokesperson asserted that there is “no risk” to people living near the targeted nuclear facilities. The Iranian Nuclear Security Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no signs of contamination at the three bombed sites.
“Of course, we suffer damages, but this is not the first time it has happened in this sector,” said Behruz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s nuclear organization, emphasizing that Iranian technical knowledge “cannot be destroyed.”
Iran’s Response
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the U.S. to “expect reprisals it will regret.” They stated that Iran would use options “beyond understanding.”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani condemned the U.S. “aggression,” and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif denounced the U.S.’s “extremely dangerous, chaotic, and criminal behavior.”
Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Strikes
Hours after the U.S. attacks, Iran’s press agency, Irna, reported the launch of 40 missiles against Israel. Iran targeted Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and a “biological research center,” among other targets. Reporters from AFP confirmed significant damage to residential areas in northern and southern Tel Aviv. Israeli emergency services reported 23 injuries.
Iranian authorities also announced the execution of a man condemned for being an Mossad agent, Israel’s intelligence service.
Israel Expresses Gratitude and Launches Further Attacks
“Thank you, the people of Israel thank you,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an English video message to Trump. “In tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the United States has proven to be truly exceptional.”
Netanyahu also considered this action as establishing a “historic turning point that can help lead the Middle East towards a future of prosperity and peace.”
Israel Continues Offensive Against Iran
The Israeli military announced the launch of a new wave of attacks against military targets in western Iran, including missile launchers. The Iranian news agency Isna reported four soldiers’ deaths in a northern military base.
Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that the Israeli campaign against Iran continues, aiming to “eliminate the existential threat to the State of Israel, strike Iran’s nuclear program, and destroy its missile system.”
Iranian media reported a “strong explosion” on Sunday afternoon in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Iranian news agencies also reported that Israeli air forces “hit two military waste storage facilities” in the Yazd Military District, central Iran.
Casualty Tally
Since June 13, the Israeli campaign has resulted in over 400 deaths in Iran, according to the latest tally from the Iranian Health Ministry published on Saturday. Meanwhile, Iranian missile and drone attacks have caused 25 deaths in Israel.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 657 deaths and 2,000 injuries in Iran, including civilians and military personnel.
