Trump delivers “full payload of bombs” on Iran’s nuclear sites, declaring “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” as U.S. military strikes Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan facilities in historic first direct action against the Islamic Republic.
Key Takeaways
- The United States conducted successful airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, with President Trump claiming a “very successful attack.”
- All U.S. aircraft involved in the operation safely exited Iranian airspace, with Trump planning to address the nation regarding the strikes.
- The heavily fortified Fordow facility, buried 300 feet beneath a mountain, was targeted with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs delivered by B-2 stealth bombers.
- This marks the first direct U.S. military involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, following over a week of Israeli strikes targeting Iranian air defenses and missile capabilities.
- Iran has vowed to retaliate against American assets in the region, raising concerns about a wider Middle East conflict despite Trump’s call for peace.
Trump Announces Successful Strike on Iranian Nuclear Program
President Trump announced late Saturday that the United States military has successfully conducted airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions with Tehran. The operation targeted the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites, with Trump claiming “a full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.” The president made the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing that all American aircraft had safely exited Iranian airspace following the operation, which employed America’s most sophisticated penetrating munitions to strike deeply buried facilities.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. 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,” President Trump wrote in his statement.
America’s Unique Military Capabilities Key to Operation’s Success
Military experts have long maintained that only the United States possesses the specialized equipment necessary to effectively target Iran’s most hardened nuclear sites. The Fordow facility, buried approximately 300 feet beneath a mountain and heavily protected by air defenses, required America’s GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) – a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb specifically designed to destroy deeply buried targets. These specialized munitions can only be delivered by the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which were reportedly deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri with aerial refueling support.
“There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!,” President Trump declared in his statement following the strikes.
The operation follows Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric toward Iran, including a demand for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and claims that U.S. forces have identified the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The president is scheduled to address the nation at 10 p.m. ET to explain the justification for the military action and outline America’s strategy moving forward. This direct U.S. intervention comes after Trump had previously questioned Israel’s ability to effectively neutralize Iran’s underground nuclear facilities on its own.
Escalation After Failed Diplomacy
The strikes represent a significant policy shift for Trump, who had campaigned on promises to avoid new Middle East conflicts. Administration officials revealed that the decision to launch military action came after diplomatic efforts with Iran failed, including a last-ditch attempt at communication with Iran’s Supreme Leader that reportedly encountered difficulties. The dramatic escalation follows Trump’s withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018, after which Tehran gradually resumed and accelerated its nuclear enrichment activities.
“They can break through a little section, but they can’t go down very deep,” Trump had previously said regarding Israel’s capability to strike the fortified Iranian facilities without American assistance.
The U.S. strikes follow more than a week of Israeli operations targeting Iranian air defenses and missile capabilities, with American officials notifying Israeli leadership before proceeding with the attack on nuclear sites. Iran has previously vowed “severe retaliation” should the United States join Israel’s campaign, raising concerns about potential attacks on American troops and military installations throughout the Middle East. Defense analysts are closely monitoring for signs of Iranian response, which could include missile attacks, drone strikes, or operations by proxy forces across the region.
