The attack hit three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to a U.S. official, six B-2 bombers dropped a dozen 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs on Fordo, a heavily fortified facility buried deep within a mountain. Submarines also fired 30 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) at Natanz and Isfahan. One B-2 dropped two additional bunker busters on Natanz.

President Donald Trump claimed the strikes were aimed at the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity,” adding that the sites had been “completely and totally obliterated.” In a televised address, he warned, “If they do not [make peace], future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”

Iran Confirms Strikes, Pledges Forceful Response

Iran acknowledged the strikes but downplayed the extent of the damage. Mehdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to the Iranian Parliament speaker, stated on social media that Fordo had been evacuated and the damage was “not irreversible.” The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no radiation leaks.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the attack as “a grave and unprecedented violation” of international law and vowed to defend the country “by all force and means.” Moments later, Iranian ballistic missiles reportedly targeted Israel, injuring at least 16 people according to Israeli sources.

U.S. Entry Sparks Political and Military Shockwaves

The strikes have thrust over 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in the region into high alert. In Washington, top Republicans supported Trump’s decision, calling it a necessary move against Iranian nuclear ambitions. However, some Democrats and Republicans criticized the operation as unconstitutional and warned it risked entangling the U.S. in another full-scale war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the operation was conducted “in full coordination” between Israeli and U.S. militaries. Israeli forces, meanwhile, launched new strikes on military sites in western Iran shortly after the American operation.

Outlook: Dangerous New Phase Ahead

Trump’s decision ends a week of deliberations over whether to deploy America’s most powerful bunker-busting munitions. The operation marks a turning point in the conflict, potentially unleashing more aggressive retaliation from Iran and widening the war’s regional footprint.

The Pentagon has not released official estimates of the damage or civilian casualties, and Iran has not yet detailed its military response plans. But as both sides brace for escalation, analysts warn the region stands on the precipice of a major confrontation.