On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that the United States is not at war with Iran, but rather with its nuclear ambitions. He stated that the nation is prepared for any potential retaliation from Tehran following recent strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Hegseth warned that American forces are on "high alert" and fully equipped to counter "any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks," which he described as a "remarkably poor decision" if pursued by Iran.
Hegseth clarified that the Saturday strikes targeting Iran's major nuclear facilities were not directed at the Iranian military or its citizens. "For over a decade, Trump has believed that Iran should not acquire a nuclear weapon. Thanks to his bold and visionary leadership, and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran's nuclear aspirations have been thwarted," Hegseth added. Alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth elaborated on the plan, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," which involved months of strategic maneuvering and planning: "It required immense precision, deception, and the utmost operational security."
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, cautioned that should Iran decide to launch an attack, the U.S. would respond with even greater force. In a social media message, the president asserted, "Any retaliation by Iran against the U.S. will be met with far greater force than has been seen tonight."
Overview of the U.S. Strike
The large-scale assault on three Iranian nuclear sites was executed through a military operation that included B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines. The operation completely destroyed the Fordow enrichment facility and also targeted Natanz and Isfahan plants.
This offensive, carried out in the early hours of Saturday following stern warnings from the U.S. president, marks one of the most significant actions against Iran's nuclear program in recent decades, drawing immediate reactions from Tehran and other global entities. The Fordow facility, positioned about 90 meters underground near Qom, was annihilated according to reports from Fox News and a U.S. official speaking anonymously.
Simultaneously, U.S. submarines fired 30 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) at the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear installations, located approximately 640 kilometers apart. An additional B-2 also dropped two bunker-buster bombs on the Natanz plant, sources revealed.
Iran's Potential Responses
From Istanbul, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed on Sunday that Iran is considering "a range of options" in response to the U.S. strikes. These options include targeting U.S. bases in the region or potentially closing a critical waterway for global navigation, as Iran weighs its next steps. All these measures bear inherent risks for the Islamic Republic, Israel, and the United States.
Once considered Iran's strongest regional ally, Hezbollah in Lebanon has seen its influence weakened by Israeli attacks.
Key Questions About U.S.-Iran Tensions
What is the U.S. stance on Iran's nuclear program?
The U.S. stance is focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The recent military action targeted Iran's nuclear facilities to thwart these ambitions.
How has Iran reacted to the U.S. strikes?
Iran is considering various responses, including military actions against U.S. bases or strategic closures of important waterways, though each carries significant risks.
What was the outcome of the U.S. military operation?
The U.S. operation successfully destroyed key Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow enrichment facility, and delivered substantial damage to Natanz and Isfahan.