The United States has heavily struck the heart of Iran’s nuclear program. The consequences threaten to inflame the Middle East.
Three sites were targeted: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, three key Iranian nuclear installations, with Fordow being a heavily fortified underground site. Six B-2 “stealth” bombers dropped a total of 12 GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, while US submarines fired about thirty Tomahawk missiles at Natanz and Isfahan.
President Trump claimed that the sites were “totally and completely obliterated.”
No signs of radioactive leaks have been detected, according to the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency and the IAEA.
In reaction, Iranian ballistic missiles were fired toward Israel, causing minor injuries and infrastructure damage. Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation as a historic step in the fight against Iran’s nuclear program.
The Consequences
However, strong criticism is coming from the United Nations, as well as from leaders such as Guterres and Starmer, who consider this strike “illegal” and very dangerous, calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. These strikes are sparking a heated domestic debate in the United States: Republicans, particularly the MAGA base and Trump, support the operation, while Democrats and some Republicans are outraged over a possible violation of Congress’s power.
Risks of Escalation
The risk of a wider conflict is real — the United States has already begun evacuating nationals, Israeli airspace is closed, and the international community fears the situation could quickly deteriorate. Overall, tensions are mounting despite attempts at dialogue — Iran had opened negotiations in early 2025, but the strikes could block any resumption of diplomacy.
What Now?
- Iranian reactions: possibility of retaliation via proxies, attacks against allies, or new missile strikes.
- US political debates: Congress could initiate oversight or opposition procedures.
- Diplomatic actions: the UN is considering an emergency Security Council meeting, several countries are calling for de-escalation.
- Monitoring regional fallout: waiting to see pro-Iranian reactions (Houthis, Hezbollah, militias in Iraq/Syria).
Trump calls Iran the “bully of the Middle East…”
Israel has bombed 5 countries and invaded 3 in the past two years alone.
But IRAN is the bully…
This man is a pathetic fraud. pic.twitter.com/7ES2wQOeV7
— ADAM (@AdameMedia) June 22, 2025
🔴 Les #EtatsUnis ont bombardé l’#Iran dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche. Trois sites nucléaires ont été visés, dont celui de Fordo.
Suivez la situation en #DIRECT avec FRANCE 24 https://t.co/GUKsYCdXDk pic.twitter.com/GXWNJ8Xovq
— FRANCE 24 Français (@France24_fr) June 22, 2025