In what U.S. commentators have described as a “historic escalation” in the Middle East, the United States launched airstrikes overnight on three of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear facilities.
The targets—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—were hit by a coordinated strike involving B-2 stealth bombers, equipped with GBU-57 bunker-busting ordnance designed to penetrate hardened underground installations. The attack was ordered by President Donald Trump, who later warned of additional military action should Iran fail to pursue peace.
Speaking shortly after the operation, Trump said the objective had been “the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.” He further warned that “if [the Iranians] do not [make peace], future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran. While Israel has previously conducted operations against Iranian military infrastructure, this is the first confirmed instance of direct U.S. airstrikes against Iran’s core nuclear programme since the current crisis began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly praised the action, calling it “unprecedented” and saying that “history will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
Iran confirmed that the three sites had been targeted, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Satellite imagery released in the hours following the strike indicated elevated surface temperatures in the vicinity of the Fordo facility, suggesting internal structural impact. U.S. officials believe the operation achieved its goal of significantly degrading Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity, although full verification is pending.
The RDO facility at Fordo, in particular, is considered one of the most secure and deeply buried components of Iran’s nuclear programme. Reports indicate that twelve GBU-57 bombs, each weighing over 13 tonnes and capable of penetrating up to 18 metres of reinforced concrete, were deployed in the strike. These munitions are designed to breach rock and concrete before detonating deep within hardened sites.
Iran’s immediate response was limited but pointed. Officials confirmed the launch of ballistic missiles towards Israel, reportedly injuring at least ten people. No official statement has been made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although state media has framed the U.S. attack as an act of war and warned of consequences.
Analysts suggest that Tehran is now weighing three main options. First, it could accept U.S. conditions for halting its nuclear programme, possibly under duress and with international mediation. Trump has referred to Iran’s required response as “unconditional surrender,” though no formal terms have been released by the White House.
Second, Iran may escalate militarily by targeting U.S. military bases in the region, most of which are located in Gulf states and Iraq. American personnel and assets across the Middle East have reportedly been placed on high alert. Pentagon officials are said to be reviewing contingency plans for further strikes should Iran retaliate.
Third, Tehran could attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments pass. According to reports, dozens of commercial tankers were delayed or rerouted this morning amid concerns that the area may soon become a conflict zone.
Should Iran opt for military retaliation, further U.S. and Israeli strikes are likely. Potential targets include remaining nuclear sites, leadership compounds, IRGC headquarters, and, in an extreme scenario, oil production infrastructure. Any such move would almost certainly draw condemnation from global markets and provoke additional diplomatic fallout.
