US and Israel strike Iranian nuclear sites in major escalation

Sunday 22 June 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

US and Israel strike Iranian nuclear sites in major escalation

President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States has launched a coordinated military strike with Israel on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Describing the operation as “very successful,” Trump declared the heavily fortified Fordow facility "gone" and emphasized the campaign’s goal as a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In a televised statement, Trump warned that Iran now faces a choice between “peace or tragedy,” asserting that multiple other targets remain within reach. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, strongly condemned the strikes, accusing the US of violating international law and the UN Charter. He emphasized that Iran retains all options to defend its sovereignty and population.

The strikes were carried out using B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, focusing on deeply buried nuclear facilities. The US reportedly communicated to Iran that no further military action was planned and that the strikes were not intended as a push for regime change.

The operation unfolded amid over a week of escalating aerial combat between Israel and Iran, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel has justified its attacks as a preemptive effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

Trita Parsi, vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, criticized the assault, arguing that Iran posed no imminent nuclear threat. He warned that the attack could accelerate nuclear proliferation globally, pushing countries to seek nuclear deterrents in fear of similar strikes.

Despite the damage, Iran’s nuclear agency reported no radiation leakage or contamination near the targeted sites. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency also confirmed there had been no increase in radiation levels.

Parsi suggested Iran may have relocated critical nuclear materials in anticipation of the strikes. He noted that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium remains its most valuable nuclear asset and could still enable weaponization.

Concerns are mounting that the strikes may not have achieved their intended effect. Parsi predicted that pressure from Israeli officials may soon build for a prolonged bombing campaign.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s action as a historic move, global leaders have expressed concern. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “dangerous escalation” with the potential for catastrophic consequences across the region.

According to Iranian health authorities, the conflict has caused at least 430 deaths and over 3,500 injuries in Iran. In Israel, 24 civilians have died, and more than 1,200 have been injured in retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. Over 450 missiles have reportedly been launched at Israel since the hostilities began.