Washington, D.C. | June 22, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out devastating airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marking a historic and perilous escalation in Middle East tensions.
In a televised address on Saturday evening, Trump declared the facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated”, warning Iran of further and more intense military action if hostilities continue.
“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill,” Trump stated.
The attacks mark a major shift in U.S. foreign policy as Washington now openly supports Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Read more on Middle East developments at Sauce.co.ke.
Iran: Nuclear Program Will Not Be Deterred
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization acknowledged the attacks but insisted that nuclear development would continue uninterrupted. Iranian officials claim the sites were evacuated prior to the strikes and that nuclear materials had already been moved.
State media emphasized there was “no radioactive contamination” detected at the facilities. This was later confirmed by the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, which stated there were no signs of radioactive impact on Gulf region environments.
“Iran will never allow the development of its nuclear industry to be hindered,” the agency said in a defiant statement.
Global Condemnation: UN and World Leaders React
World leaders and international organizations have reacted sharply to the U.S. strikes:
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation” and urged diplomacy.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of violating international law and sovereignty.
- Iraq, Cuba, Chile, and Mexico joined calls for restraint, with Chile’s President Gabriel Boric writing: “Attacking nuclear power plants is prohibited by international law… Even if you are the United States.”
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Iran Retaliates: Missiles Hit Israel
On Sunday, Iran launched missiles at Israel, injuring 26 people and damaging homes and infrastructure. Israel swiftly closed its airspace, signaling fears of further retaliation.
The Houthi militia in Yemen vowed to strike U.S. warships in the Red Sea if American involvement continues. Hezbollah and Iraqi militias are also reportedly preparing coordinated responses.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned:
“These outrageous attacks will have everlasting consequences. Tehran reserves all options.”
What Comes Next? Experts Warn of Regional War
Military analysts are raising alarm over a potential all-out regional war. According to Professor Liu Zhongmin of Shanghai International Studies University, Iran’s next move will depend on the actual damage inflicted on its nuclear infrastructure.
If the facilities were indeed critically damaged, retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases across Iraq and the Gulf region are likely, with Iran’s regional allies potentially joining the fray.
The BBC, in a commentary, called the strikes “a worst-case scenario” for global security and warned that Trump’s military intervention may spiral beyond control.
