WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Sunday declared that U.S. airstrikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities, warning that future attacks would be “far greater and a lot easier” if Tehran refuses to pursue peace.
In a televised address from the White House, delivered after the United States formally joined Israel’s military campaign against Iran, Trump hailed the operation as a “spectacular military success.”
The U.S. strikes, carried out in coordination with Israel, targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites—facilities considered central to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump had earlier made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that a “full payload of BOMBS” had been dropped on the fortified Fordow site, calling it the “primary site” in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“All planes are now outside Iranian airspace and are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American warriors,” Trump added.
Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump issued a stern warning:
“Iran must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater, and a lot easier.”
Iranian Confirmation and Reaction
Iranian media confirmed that portions of the Fordow plant, along with the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities, were struck. Though specific details remain limited, the use of bunker-buster bombs by U.S. B-2 stealth bombers has been widely reported.
Following the attacks, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who congratulated him on the operation, reportedly calling the U.S. military effort “truly unsurpassed.”
‘Outrageous’ Violation, Says Iran
In a sharp response, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and accused Washington of committing a “grave violation” of the UN Charter, international law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
“Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” Araghchi warned in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Earlier in the day, President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Iran would continue its nuclear programme “under any circumstances” and warned of an even “more devastating retaliation” if Israel’s offensive persisted.
Escalating Conflict
Israel and Iran have exchanged waves of devastating strikes since June 13, when Israel launched an air campaign claiming Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced on Sunday that “suicide drones” had been launched toward “strategic targets” across Israel.
The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that a centrifuge manufacturing site in Isfahan had been damaged in the latest Israeli attack.
While Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, the rapid escalation and now direct US involvement signal a dramatic shift in the already fragile Middle East security landscape.
“Now is the time for peace,” Trump concluded, while making it clear that further escalation is on the table if Iran resists diplomatic resolution.
