Washington raids Iranian nuclear locations
(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces launched a major assault on three Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday. The targets—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—were hit in what Trump described on his Truth Social platform as a "very successful attack." Later, during a televised address from the White House, he declared that the sites had been "completely and totally obliterated," and warned Iran that any retaliation would lead to even more severe strikes.
Despite the scale of the bombardment, Iran’s Center for the National Nuclear Safety System reported that emergency inspections at the impacted sites revealed no radiation leaks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later confirmed there had been no detectable increase in radiation at the locations. The attack reportedly marked the first combat use of the U.S. GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb dropped by B-2 stealth bombers, along with submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded Trump’s decision to intervene, calling it a historic turning point. He claimed the use of American military power against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would help steer the region—and the wider world—toward peace and prosperity.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a blatant and "brutal" breach of international law and the UN Charter. Officials in Tehran accused both the U.S. and Israel of “criminal complicity” and warned that Iran would “resist with all its might.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that Iran reserves all options in defending its sovereignty and people.
The airstrikes have sparked intense political debate within the United States. Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump for launching the attack without Congressional approval. Senator Bernie Sanders labeled the action "grossly unconstitutional," and Representative Sean Casten called it an "unambiguous impeachable offense." In contrast, Republicans largely supported the move, with House Speaker Mike Johnson defending it as consistent with past presidential actions, and Representative Robert Aderholt comparing Trump’s leadership to that of Winston Churchill.
Reactions from Gulf nations have been largely critical. Saudi Arabia urged restraint and de-escalation, while Qatar warned that the strikes could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for the region and beyond. Oman condemned the U.S. action, calling it an illegal act of aggression.
The strike has dramatically escalated tensions in an already volatile Middle East and raised fears of further regional instability.
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