U.S. Military Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities; International Response and Retaliation Follow
U.S. Military Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities; International Response and Retaliation Follow
On Saturday, June 22, the United States launched a military operation targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, reportedly codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” involved over 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets, and air refueling tankers. A U.S. Navy submarine also fired over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan site. The Pentagon reported that 75 precision-guided munitions were used in total, including more than a dozen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (“bunker busters”), marking their first operational use.
The strikes occurred between 6:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. ET. According to the Pentagon, seven B-2 bombers, each carrying two GBU-57s, targeted Fordo and Natanz. The Pentagon described the damage sustained at the three sites as “extremely severe,” though a full battle damage assessment was ongoing. An Iranian parliament member claimed that the Fordo facility did not sustain serious damage, while other Iranian officials stated that nuclear material was removed from the targeted sites prior to the strikes.
Following the U.S. strikes, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed attacks on Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities, as well as the Isfahan nuclear site. Both Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no immediate increase in radiation levels around the affected areas. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that the agency’s inspectors should be allowed access to the sites for assessment. The IAEA Board of Governors planned an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
In response to the U.S. action, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran “must receive a response” to the aggression. Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, threatened any country used by the U.S. in the strikes as a legitimate target. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow to coordinate with Russia. Iran also launched a barrage of 40 missiles at Israel, resulting in injuries, and Israel conducted further strikes on Iranian military infrastructure sites.
The U.S. government issued several security alerts advising its personnel and citizens in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iraq to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel near military installations. The Department of Homeland Security warned of a heightened threat environment in the United States, citing the potential for terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and violence by independent actors. Several U.S. states, including New York and Pennsylvania, announced increased security measures.
International reactions were swift and varied. China condemned the U.S. attack, calling for a ceasefire and dialogue. Russia condemned the strikes as a violation of international law. Bahrain called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Egypt warned of grave repercussions for the region. Numerous protests against the U.S. strikes took place worldwide.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stated that the U.S. did not seek war but would respond decisively to any threats. President Trump warned of further strikes if Iran retaliated. Congressional members expressed differing views on the legality and wisdom of the strikes, with some questioning the lack of congressional authorization.
The location of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium remained undisclosed. The extent of the long-term damage to Iran’s nuclear program and the potential for covert rebuilding remain uncertain. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about further escalation and retaliation.
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