Washington/Tehran – In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday, directly intervening in Israel’s long-standing conflict with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions. The move, widely seen as a major strategic attempt to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities, has fueled fears of a broader regional war.
💣 Strikes Confirmed, Fallout Feared
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the strikes targeted its sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, some of the country’s most sensitive nuclear facilities. While Iran acknowledged the attacks, it vowed that its nuclear programme will continue.
In a televised national address, US President Donald Trump claimed:
“Iran’s key nuclear facilities were completely and fully obliterated.”
🛰️ Satellite Imagery Reveals Fordo Damage
Satellite images captured on Sunday and analyzed by The Associated Press showed visible damage at the Fordo underground nuclear site, particularly at the entry tunnels. The facility, built beneath a mountain to withstand strikes, now appears scarred.
Imagery from Planet Labs PBC revealed that:
- The brown mountain terrain now has grey patches and altered contours, consistent with a powerful blast.
- Smoke lingered in the air, and the entryways appeared blocked—likely the result of American bunker-buster bombs.
- Sealing these tunnels would force Iran to re-excavate the facility to regain access.
Iran has not yet issued an official damage assessment of Fordo.
⚛️ Natanz: The Heart of Iran’s Nuclear Program
The Natanz enrichment site, located 220 km southeast of Tehran, has already been targeted in previous Israeli sabotage operations. It remains the core of Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, processing uranium up to 60% purity—a level below weapons-grade, but far above the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that while the enrichment at Natanz remains below the 90% threshold required for weapons, the growing stockpile and capabilities have remained a point of contention between Iran and the West.
⚠️ Tehran’s Response: Accusations of War
In response to the US airstrikes, Iran issued a stern warning, accusing Washington of initiating a dangerous war in the region. Iranian officials described the attack as a “reckless provocation” that could have far-reaching consequences.
As tensions rise and the potential for retaliation looms, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate remain fragile. World leaders and observers fear that this latest move may unravel years of tentative diplomacy and ignite a wider Middle East conflict.