Egypt Daily News – In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping military operation that he claimed “erased” Iran’s key nuclear facilities, setting the stage for what could become a prolonged and unpredictable conflict. The airstrikes, carried out overnight, targeted Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility. Iran has vowed to retaliate, leaving the region bracing for further escalation.
U.S. Delivers “Stunning Military Success”
In a televised address flanked by senior officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump described the strikes as a “stunning military success.” According to the president, the operation was a response to increasing threats and was meant to compel Iran into accepting a path of peace, or face further devastating consequences.
“If peace is not achieved swiftly, we will strike additional targets with precision and skill,” Trump warned. He emphasized that the U.S. does not seek regime change, a claim echoed in diplomatic channels that reportedly informed Iran the current round of strikes was the extent of planned military action.
Fordow Hit by 30,000-Pound Bombs
The most technically significant strike hit the Fordow uranium enrichment plant, a deeply buried facility located under a mountain south of Tehran. According to U.S. and Israeli sources, the American military deployed B-2 stealth bombers equipped with GBU-57A/B “bunker buster” bombs, the most powerful non-nuclear ordnance in the U.S. arsenal. These 30,000-pound precision-guided munitions are capable of penetrating up to 200 feet underground, making them uniquely suited to breach Fordow’s reinforced structures.
According to The New York Times, this marks the first time these weapons have been used in combat.
Iranian Reaction: Fury, Defiance, and a Call for Retaliation
Iran responded with fury. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a “grave violation” of international law, including the United Nations Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Speaking from Istanbul, Araghchi declared, “Iran retains all options to defend its sovereignty, people, and interests.”
At a press conference, he criticized both the U.S. and Israel for “crossing a major red line,” and accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of complicity through inaction. “This was not only an attack on Iran but on the international legal order,” he said.
Despite calls to keep diplomatic channels open, Araghchi warned, “We must respond to these attacks in self-defense, and we will.” Iran has requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council and warned that further silence from the international community would only invite more aggression.
Regional Fallout and Global Concern
The strikes come after more than a week of escalating hostilities, initially triggered by Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear positions on June 13. Overnight, Iran responded with what Israel described as its heaviest missile barrage yet. Israel’s Health Ministry reported 86 injuries as a result of the bombardment.
Across the Middle East, panic spread. In central Iran, citizens like 36-year-old teacher Bita from Kashan described the atmosphere as one of dread: “Our future is dark. It’s like we’re living in a horror film.”
European leaders called for restraint. European Council President António Costa urged all parties to respect international law and maintain nuclear safety. “Too many civilians have already paid the price of escalation,” he said.
Kuwait took emergency precautions, preparing shelters for up to 900 people at its government complex, while Qatar expressed “regret” over the conflict’s deterioration, warning of “catastrophic consequences” regionally and globally.
Britain Briefed, But Not Involved
U.K. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that Britain was notified prior to the U.S. attacks but was not asked to participate. However, British forces have been repositioned in the region to defend key allies if required.
A Gamble With Uncertain Consequences
The decision to support Israel’s military campaign and strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure marks one of the most consequential and risky foreign policy moves of Trump’s presidency. Analysts warn that the destruction of nuclear sites could inflame Iranian nationalism and further entrench opposition to negotiations.
Araghchi concluded with a stark warning: “The U.S. has betrayed diplomacy. They have proven they are not men of dialogue, and we will not compromise our sovereignty.”
As the dust settles over the targeted sites, the world watches anxiously — uncertain whether this will mark the start of a new chapter in the long-standing standoff over Iran’s nuclear ambitions or the beginning of a far more dangerous spiral.
