Washington: Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump, on June 22, announced that American forces had bombed three nuclear sites deep inside Iran, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, joining Israel’s military campaign against Tehran.
The announcement came just two days after Trump had hinted at a possible intervention, saying he would take “as long as two weeks” to make a decision.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.” He hailed the strike as a success, calling it a “historic moment," adding, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
B-2 Bombers Used in Strike; Khamenei Goes Underground
According to Reuters, the strikes were carried out using B-2 bombers, the stealth aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bomb designed to destroy heavily fortified underground targets. This weapon has long been believed to be the only one capable of penetrating Iran’s nuclear facilities such as Fordow.
The operation comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows Israel’s own airstrikes under “Operation Rising Lion”. Tehran, according to Israeli intelligence, was on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon. Since the Israeli offensive began, over 600 people have been reported killed in Iran, while Iran has retaliated with 450 missiles and 1,000 drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly living in a deep underground bunker, as per a New York Times report. The publication quoted three Iranian officials who said Khamenei has named three senior clerics as potential successors in case he is assassinated, and has ordered a shutdown of all electronic communications around him to ensure his safety.
Netanyahu Backs Trump, Says 'Peace Through Strength'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump for the strikes, saying in a video address, “President Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace.”
He added that Israel’s operations in Iran would continue “for as long as it takes” to eliminate the “existential threats” posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities.
