The U.S. launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions with Iran.
Coordinated with Israel, the strikes prompted global concern, diplomatic responses, and fears of possible retaliation.
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that American warplanes have carried out airstrikes on three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites. The move, which marks a major turning point in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, has raised international concern and prompted swift diplomatic reactions.
The bombings, which reportedly took place late Friday, targeted the Fordo uranium enrichment facility an underground plant buried in the mountains near the city of Qom. The facility is considered one of the most secretive and fortified components of Iran’s nuclear program. According to U.S. officials, the aim was to deal a blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities without triggering widespread conflict.
In addition to Fordo, American jets also struck two other strategic locations: the Natanz enrichment site and a facility in Isfahan, both central to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Natanz site has long been at the center of Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, while Isfahan houses significant components for uranium conversion.
President Trump’s administration said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Israel, which has also been increasingly vocal and active in opposing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli officials have confirmed their full cooperation in the planning and execution of the mission, suggesting the attack was a joint effort, even though only American aircraft were involved in the operation.
U.S. sources told CBS News, a partner of the BBC, that Washington reached out to Tehran through diplomatic back channels shortly after the strikes. The message was clear: the airstrikes were limited in scope, and the U.S. had no intention of launching a broader military campaign or pushing for regime change. This attempt at de-escalation appears to be aimed at preventing a wider regional war, even as the immediate consequences remain uncertain.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, has since responded to the developments, stating that there has been “no increase” in radiation levels detected around the targeted sites. While this suggests that the bombings may not have caused a catastrophic release of radioactive material, the full extent of the damage to the nuclear facilities has yet to be independently verified.
Iranian officials have not released a formal statement on the attacks, though local media outlets have reported heavy explosions and military mobilization near the affected areas. The Iranian government is expected to issue a strong response, and analysts warn that retaliation either directly or through allied proxy groups remains a real possibility.
Global reactions are beginning to pour in, with several governments calling for restraint and urging all parties to avoid further military action. The United Nations Security Council is reportedly preparing for an emergency meeting to address the implications of the strikes and to seek avenues for de-escalation.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In recent months, the two countries have exchanged hostile rhetoric and proxy attacks, including missile launches and cyber operations. This latest development signals a dangerous new phase in the standoff, as it marks the first direct American attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure since the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
As the world watches closely, the coming days will likely determine whether the U.S. airstrikes serve as a one-off tactical maneuver or the opening of a broader conflict in an already volatile region.
