The United States has executed a large-scale assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, deploying a combination of B-2 Spirit bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines. In a characteristically bold announcement, President Donald Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, "Fordow is gone," referring to the successful strike on Iran's critical nuclear centers.
This military operation, involving strategic bombers and submarine-launched missiles, led to the complete destruction of Fordow's enrichment center and targeted the Natanz and Isfahan plants as well. Launched on Saturday at dawn, following stern warnings from the U.S. President, this offensive marks one of the most decisive actions against Iran's nuclear program in recent decades, prompting immediate reactions both in Tehran and globally.
B-2 Bombers Unleash Destruction
At approximately 2:00 a.m., six B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, embarking on a 37-hour non-stop mission with the aid of multiple mid-air refuelings. According to anonymous Pentagon sources cited by The New York Times, these aircraft deployed a dozen GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, each weighing about 13,600 kilos, on Fordow—a site deemed the center of Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Located roughly 90 meters underground near Qom, the Fordow facility was entirely obliterated, as reported by Fox News and a U.S. official speaking anonymously. These specialized bombs are engineered to penetrate deeply into fortified structures before detonating.
Submarine-Launched Missile Barrage
Simultaneously, U.S. submarines fired 30 TLAM (Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles) at the nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan, located approximately 640 kilometers apart. An additional B-2 bomber released two more bunker-busters on the Natanz plant, according to the same sources.
"Now is the time for peace!" Trump proclaimed, confirming the operation with a statement: "A full load of bombs was dropped on the main site, Fordow." NASA's fire information system detected significant heat emissions in the Fordow area about 30 minutes before the official announcement, underscoring the attack's scale.
Following the assault, Trump praised the U.S. pilots and military: "An operation like the world hasn't seen in many, many decades." Despite the severity of the attack, Iranian authorities claimed there was "no danger to the population" near the nuclear sites, according to a statement from Qom province's crisis management department.
Global Reactions and Consequences
The response in Iran was swift. State television threatened retaliation, declaring that "every American or military member in the region is now a legitimate target." The Tehran Times ran a provocative headline: "How many coffins will Trump send home for Israel's sake?" suggesting potential military escalation.
Additionally, Yemen's Houthi forces, aligned with Iran, blamed Trump and warned of attacks against U.S. warships in the Red Sea. In comments to Fox News, Trump reiterated his administration's objectives: "We don't seek a ceasefire. We seek total and complete victory. You know what victory is: no nuclear weapons."
This strike represents a turning point in the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, potentially reshaping the geopolitical balance in the Middle East. The world watches intently to see whether this episode will lead to a regional war or pave the way for a new non-proliferation agreement.
U.S.-Iran Tensions: Key Questions Answered
What was the main target of the U.S. attack on Iran?
The primary target was the Fordow enrichment center, a critical component of Iran's nuclear program, which was completely destroyed in the U.S. strike.
How did Iran respond to the U.S. military action?
Iran's response included threats of retaliation against American personnel in the region, as well as warnings from allied Houthi forces about potential attacks on U.S. naval vessels.
What was President Trump's message following the attack?
President Trump emphasized the operation's success, calling for peace while reiterating the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.