US strikes Iranian nuclear sites
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that American forces had carried out 'very successful' airstrikes targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities.
Trump said U.S. warplanes struck the Fordo uranium enrichment facility near Qom — one of Iran's most heavily fortified nuclear sites — as well as installations at Natanz and Esfahan.
He confirmed that all American aircraft safely exited Iranian airspace following the operation.
'All planes are safely on their way home,' Trump said in a post on social media.
'Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!'
The Fordo facility is buried deep underground and designed to resist conventional airstrikes, making it a symbolic and strategic target. Its destruction would mark one of the most significant blows to Iran's nuclear infrastructure in over a decade.
Iran had previously warned that direct U.S. involvement in its ongoing conflict with Israel would trigger 'irreparable consequences.'
Tehran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denies any intent to develop nuclear weapons.
The strikes came amid rising regional tensions since hostilities erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting military and nuclear sites.
Iran responded with missile barrages that have caused casualties on both sides.
Iran's Health Ministry said at least 430 people have been killed and over 3,500 wounded in Israeli strikes across the country.
Israeli officials reported that 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured by Iranian missile attacks.
While Trump has emphasized his desire to avoid a prolonged war, he has consistently vowed that the U.S. will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Saturday's strike marks the most direct American military action in the conflict so far and signals a potential turning point in the widening regional war. — Agencies
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