President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that American forces had launched a “very successful” strike on three Iranian nuclear installations, notably including the fortified underground enrichment complex at Fordo. The operation, according to Trump, was intended to significantly undermine Tehran’s nuclear capabilities amid escalating regional hostilities.
In a nationally televised address, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the United States would target additional sites if Tehran failed to swiftly pursue a path toward peace.
His remarks were swiftly followed by a dramatic escalation, as Iran retaliated within hours by launching two successive waves of strikes against its long-standing adversary, Israel—further deepening fears of a broader regional conflict.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump said from the White House, adding the crucial underground nuclear enrichment plant of Fordo had been targeted along with facilities at Isfahan and Natanz.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,” he added.
Trump’s intervention — despite his past pledges to avoid another “forever war” — threatens to dramatically widen the conflict, after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Iran last week, with Tehran vowing to retaliate if Washington joined in.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, hailed the US strikes, saying Trump’s decision to “target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history”.
In response, Iran’s armed forces said they targeted multiple sites in Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main international gateway near Tel Aviv.
Israeli rescuers said at least 23 people were wounded.
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Police said at least three impacts were reported.
One of them was the Ramat Aviv area of Tel Aviv, tearing holes in the facades of apartment blocks.
“Houses here were hit very, very badly. Fortunately, one of them was slated for demolition and reconstruction, so there were no residents inside.
“Those who were in the shelter are all safe and well. The damage is very, very extensive, but in terms of human life, we are okay,” said Tel Aviv mayor, Ron Huldai.
Israel confirmed that it had launched renewed airstrikes targeting western Iran, a move that further escalated the already volatile conflict between the two nations.
In a statement, the Israeli military reported that the latest operations had been aimed at neutralizing what it described as imminent threats. It stated that missile launchers poised to fire at Israeli territory had been struck, Iranian Armed Forces personnel had been engaged, and the platforms responsible for recent missile attacks against Israel had been swiftly dismantled.