Trump Announces U.S. Joins Israeli Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites, Raising Fears of Escalated Conflict
President Trump announced on Saturday evening that the U.S. military had conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israel’s bombing efforts to disable Iran’s nuclear weapon development capabilities.
This operation represents the most direct U.S. military action within Iran in recent decades and has heightened concerns about a rapidly escalating conflict. Such a conflict could involve proxy forces, endanger American troops, and destabilize global energy markets.
In a Truth Social post, Trump described the mission as “very successful” and confirmed the safe return of all U.S. aircraft from Iranian airspace. He specifically mentioned that a “full payload of BOMBS” was deployed on the primary site, Fordow, which is a heavily protected nuclear enrichment facility built into a mountain near Qom. The U.S. also targeted the larger enrichment plant at Natanz and a facility near Isfahan, suspected of housing highly enriched uranium.
“All planes are safely on their way home,” Trump stated. “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!”
This action marks a significant departure from Trump’s previous reluctance to increase U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. Despite campaigning on a promise to end foreign wars and avoid new ones, his decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities highlights the increasing pressure from Israel and Republican allies in Congress, who saw this as an opportunity to permanently weaken Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Intelligence officials have consistently stated that only U.S. aircraft and weaponry are capable of effectively destroying Iran’s deeply buried nuclear infrastructure, especially at Fordow.
Trump is scheduled to address the nation with a televised speech at 10 p.m. E.T.
The U.S. strikes followed earlier damage inflicted by Israeli forces on surface-level infrastructure at Natanz and the weakening of key elements of Iran’s air defenses.
The extent of the damage and whether any nuclear material was released remains unclear. The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously cautioned that bombing active enrichment sites, particularly Fordow, could create environmental and health hazards. Iran has previously threatened retaliation if the U.S. intervenes, and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to resume attacks on U.S. forces in the Red Sea if the U.S. joins Israel’s military operation.
Trump’s decision also triggered criticism on Capitol Hill, including from members of his own party. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, expressed on X that the action was “not Constitutional,” implying a lack of Congressional authorization for the use of force. Other lawmakers cautioned that the operation could lead to a prolonged conflict. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi and chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated on X that “We now have very serious choices ahead to provide security for our citizens and our allies and stability for the middle-east.”