Trump Confirms U.S. Bombed Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Warns of More Strikes Without Peace
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday evening that U.S. forces launched coordinated airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, declaring the targets “completely and totally obliterated” in a rare deployment of B-2 stealth bombers. The strikes marked the most direct American military intervention in Iran in decades and signaled full U.S. alignment with Israel’s campaign to permanently degrade Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Addressing the nation from the White House, Trump, flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said, “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
The president emphasized that Saturday’s operation targeted Fordow, Natanz, and a uranium facility near Isfahan, using a “full payload of bombs” including bunker-busting ordnance. Trump warned that the U.S. was prepared to eliminate “many targets left” in Iran if peace is not reached soon.
The strikes followed weeks of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump’s decision to act came after Israeli forces had already damaged Iranian air defenses and surface-level nuclear infrastructure. Intelligence indicated only U.S. B-2 bombers and 30,000-pound bunker busters could reach deeply fortified facilities like Fordow, built into a mountain outside Qom.
Though the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed the strikes, it vowed that the country’s nuclear program—developed, it said, through the “blood of nuclear martyrs”—would not be stopped. Iranian officials reiterated claims that their program is for peaceful purposes, despite recent IAEA reports indicating uranium enrichment near weapons-grade levels.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “irreparable damage” if Tehran was attacked. Hours after the U.S. strikes, Iran launched over 40 missiles at Israel, injuring civilians and damaging buildings in Tel Aviv. Israel quickly responded with additional strikes on western Iran.
The U.S. operation, executed without congressional approval, drew sharp criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) called the strikes unconstitutional, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) described the action as “grounds for impeachment.” However, many Republicans, including Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), praised the operation as a necessary and decisive national security move.
Trump posted updates on his Truth Social account, hailing the strike as a “very successful mission” and congratulating the U.S. military. “There is not another military in the world that could have done this,” he said. “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
While the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no off-site radiation spikes, experts warned of long-term risks associated with bombing active enrichment facilities. The IAEA said it would continue monitoring the situation.
U.S. allies and adversaries alike reacted strongly. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the attack as a “historic moment,” while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation risked spiraling into a regional war with “catastrophic consequences.”
Trump’s decision marks a major shift from his previous foreign policy stance, where he campaigned on ending “forever wars.” Analysts say the latest move was likely influenced by Israeli pressure and stalled diplomatic efforts with Iran. Trump had previously delayed approving strikes to allow diplomacy more time, but now appears resolved to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon by force if necessary.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely for signs of escalation or retaliation that could lead to broader conflict across the Middle East.
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