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In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that United States forces have joined Israel's military campaign, striking three Iranian nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities. Trump declared the attack "very successful" and stated that the Fordow facility was "gone," with military planes now returning home. He also urged, "NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!"
Later, in an Oval Office address, Trump asserted that Iran's future held "either peace or tragedy" and warned of other potential US military targets, claiming Iran's "key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks, accusing Washington of breaching international law. Araghchi stated on social media that the US, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, had committed "a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations." He called the morning's events "outrageous" with "everlasting consequences," urging all UN members to be alarmed by this "extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior." Araghchi added that Iran "reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people."
These strikes follow over a week of aerial combat between Israel and Iran, which has resulted in casualties in both countries. Israel initiated its attacks on Iran, citing the aim of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Iran Vows to Continue Nuclear Work After US Strikes; UN Alarmed by Escalation
Iran's nuclear agency stated on Sunday that radiation data and field surveys show no signs of contamination or danger to residents near the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, following what it called the "illegal US attack." The agency confirmed that "safety is in a stable state" and insisted that its work would "not be stopped" despite "evil conspiracies of its enemies." It vowed that the development of this "national industry" would not be halted.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the US diplomatically informed Iran on Saturday that the strikes were all it planned, with no intention of regime change efforts. US media indicated that the raid involved B-2 stealth bombers dropping "bunker buster bombs" and submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett reported from Washington, DC, that President Trump was advised the bombings would allow for the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and "will not lead to escalation," though he acknowledges a chance of escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision, stating, "Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history." This follows earlier Israeli military announcements of completing another series of strikes on dozens of military targets in southwestern Iran. Israel initiated attacks on June 13, claiming Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, despite Iran's repeated assertions that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, a fact it neither confirms nor denies.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave alarm over the "dangerous escalation" of the US strikes, warning of a "growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world."
The conflict has led to significant casualties: Iranian state-run Nour News, citing the Ministry of Health, reported that at least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its attacks. In Israel, local authorities reported 24 civilian deaths from Iranian missile attacks, making it the worst direct conflict between the two adversaries. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that over 450 Iranian missiles have been fired towards Israel, resulting in 1,272 injuries, with 14 in serious condition.
